Navy Calls for New Air Fleet in HawaiiNovember 25, 2008
 The U.S. Navy released plans that would replace all but three of its 27 aging propeller-driven P-3C Orion surveillance and reconnaissance jets with 18 P-8A Poseidon multi-mission jets, according to an article in the Honolulu Advertiser. These jets will be based on Boeing's commercial 737-800 but will have several added features like strengthened wings, weapons systems and extra fuel tanks. Thirty six MV-22B Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft will complement the new jets by replacing older CH-53D Sea Stallion helicopters. The Ospreys are half-helicopter and half-plane, allowing them to take off in limited space like helicopters and move forward at high speed like fixed-wing planes. The Hawaiian fleet would also include nine MH-60R helicopters versus the existing 10 SH-60R helicopters that are to be replaced. Most aircraft now in Hawaii have been in service since the late 1960s. The delivery of the new fleet will begin in 2012 and is expected to be completed by 2019. Photo: U.S. Navy |
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