US Navy P-3C Orion Maritime Patrol/Anti-Submarine Warfare Aircraft.
The Lockheed P-3C Orion was the principal maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft of the United States Navy during the Cold War. Developed from the L-188 Electra airliner, the Orion first entered service in 1962, with the definitive production model P-3C following in 1969. Powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engines, it combined long endurance with an extensive suite of maritime sensors, acoustic processing equipment and weapons, including torpedoes and anti-ship missiles. Its distinctive tail-mounted Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) boom enabled crews to detect submarines beneath the surface.
Successive upgrades improved its radar, avionics and weapons systems, extending its operational life well beyond the Cold War. More than 750 P-3 Orions were produced, serving with air forces and naval services around the world.
While many operators have since replaced the type with the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, the Orion remains one of the most successful and longest-serving maritime patrol aircraft.
The kit: New tooling. Internal weapons bay can be assembled open or closed. Choice of markings for three US & Australian aircraft: (1&2) P-3C s/n 161763 or s/n 161765, US Navy VP-40 "Fighting Marlins" (the last active-duty US Navy unit to retire the venerable P-3C), NAS Moffett, 1988. (3) P-3C s/n 160753, Royal Australian Air Force 10 Squadron. Spray mask included.
Box code: 12653
Box description: P-3C Orion
1:144 scale plastic model kit from Academy, requires paint and glue.
No extended details available.
