RAF Crews Commence Flying Phase of Training for P-8A Poseidon

RAF crews have commenced the flying phase of training to fly the Poseidon MRA Mk1 (P-8A), the UK’s new maritime patrol aircraft.

Pilots, Weapons System Officers and Weapons Systems Operators have entered the simulator and flying phase of their six-month course.

Meanwhile, engineering personnel is similarly progressing through their course at Naval Air Station Jacksonville in Florida.

 class=P-8A Poseidon | Royal Air Force

The personnel, from CXX Squadron at RAF Lossiemouth, are being trained by a mix of US Navy and RAF P-8A ‘seedcorn’ one-way exchange instructors on a course which covers a substantial range of topics. This includes being trained to fly at medium and low level over the sea so that the mission crew can train in Anti-Submarine Warfare and Anti-Surface Warfare.

 class=P-8A Poseidon | Royal Air Force

In parallel to the training activity, aircraft production is continuing. In January the auxiliary fuel tanks were completed by Marshall Aerospace & Defence Group in Cambridge and the keel of the first UK P-8, in Witchita, Kansas. Assembly of the aircraft then commenced in February with the fuselage competed at the end of March. 

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