Successful test puts U.S. Navy’s first operational unmanned aerial refueler a step closer to the carrier fleet

The first of nine maritime patrol aircraft (MPA) on order for the Royal Air Force has taken to the skies. The flight of the Poseidon MRA Mk1 (P-8A) was completed successfully at the hands of Boeing test pilots.

According to pictures released on Boeing UK & Ireland Twitter account, the first Poseidon MRA Mk.1 (P-8A) Maritime Patrol Aircraft being built for the RAF is now painted and undergoing pre-flight preparations for its maiden flight.

BAE Systems has been awarded contracts by Boeing to supply the Vehicle Management Control System and Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) System for the MQ-25 Stingray unmanned tanker, the company stated today.

The F/A-18 Service Life Modification program has received its second contract to induct 12 jets. The program extends the life of existing Super Hornets from 6,000 to 10,000 flight hours. In 2023 the program will begin converting the jets into the new Block III configuration.

Boeing received a whopping $4 Billion U.S. Navy contract for multi-year procurement of 78 F/A-18 Block III Super Hornet strike fighters (61 single-seat E and 17 two-seat F), delivered through 2024.

Boeing is awarded a US$326 million to develop, integrate and test Increment 3 capabilities into the P-8A aircraft for the US Navy and the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF).

Boeing has secured a US$429 million advanced acquisition contract for P-8A Maritime Patrol Aircraft production for the US Navy, New Zealand and Republic of Korea, the US DoD stated on Feb. 28, 2019.

Boeing has been awarded a US$157 million to deliver training systems and management technical expertise for the UK P-8A Poseidon MRA1 Mk.1 Maritime Patrol Aircraft procurement program, the US DoD announced on Feb. 27, 2019.