Lockheed P-3 Orion, Electra and CP-140 Aurora

The P-3 Orion maritime surveillance and ASW patrol aircraft is based on the Electra turboprop airliner. Developed from 1958 to replace the P-2 Neptune the first P-3A entered service in 1962. The more powerful P-3B followed while the first P-3C entered US Navy service in 1969. This model introduced a new APS-115 radar, improved MAD and new data processing equipment. In 1975 an improved navigation system, expanded computer memory, and tactical displays were provided under the Update I program. In 1976 the Update II program provided an infrared detection system and sonobuoy reference system and the aircraft were fitted with the Harpoon missile. The P-3C aircraft to the Upgrade III standard, delivered in 1984, were equipped with advanced anti-submarine warfare avionics including the IBM Proteus AN/UYS-1 acoustic processor. Australia took delivery of Update II aircraft that were fitted with the British AQS-901 processing system and locally developed Barra sonobouys. Update IV program improvements, mainly directed towards the provision of advanced signal processing capabilities, were implemented during the 1990s to meet the threat of new generation fast, quiet and deep diving submarines. The aircraft are equipped with a Raytheon AN/APS-137(V) multi-mission surveillance radar. Australia is currently upgrading its aircraft to AP-3C standard a new Elta radar, MAD and processing equipment.
Canada operates its own variant of the Orion family. The CP-140 Aurora utilises the P-3 airframe and the electronic systems of the US Navy's S-3 Viking aircraft. The Vikings APS-116 search radar, ASQ-501 MAD and AYK-10 processing computer are all used by this aircraft. The Aurora also has an eleven person crew, one more than standard Orion's. A total of 18 Auroras were delivered to Canadian Forces as well as three C-140A Arcturus aircraft. The Arcturus is a used for training and environmental and fisheries patrols. These three aircraft carry only an APS-134 radar and no ASW gear.
P-3 aircraft have also been modified to fill the ELINT role. The USN and Japan operate EP-3 with sensitive intelligence gathering equipment. Two of Australia's Orion aircraft have reportedly been modified to a standard similar to the USN EP-3 aircraft.

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