Wing structure concerns ground 39 P-3Cs

Wing structure concerns ground 39 P-3Cs
By Lolita C. Baldor - Associated Press
Posted : Friday Jan 11, 2008 16:10:09 EST

WASHINGTON — The Navy has grounded 39 P-3C Orions due to concerns about possible structural failures in the wings.

Ten of the four-engine propeller planes are currently deployed overseas, and Navy spokesman Cmdr. Jeff Davis said they will return to the U.S. for repairs and it has not yet been determined how or if they will be replaced.

“We are acting early, based upon engineering analysis and fleet inspections, to ground these aircraft before a problem arises,” said Davis.

The Navy has a total of 161 of the P-3C Orions, and their average age is 28.

It will take 18-24 months to repair each of the planes, for a total of about three years to complete the process. Those that cannot be repaired will be pulled from service.


Rest of article at: http://www.navytimes.com/news/2008/01/ap_orionsgrounded_080111/



uhc prediction: Expect loud voices to call for a replacement aircraft.

there has been work on a replacement aircraft. I think Boeing got the contract to build something based on the 737. I know I saw some mention of it somewhere, but could be my bad memory. Another case of these a/c could just be upgraded and continue to be built if we need them. Restarting a production line on a proven airframe such as the P3 would be far simpler than building a whole new design. It's a patrol plane, not a dogfighter.

winning the competition to replace the P-3 with a version of the 737. I used to be involved with upgrades of the P-3 and thimk it's a shame they chose a jet replacement. It was built as a submarine hunter where going low and slow over the water was critical. A 737 can't go that slow, but there isn't much sub hunting going on now. They are primarily used for drug interdiction. Still, I loved the old P-3s.

Sometimes the old designs are the best ones. P3's should be upgraded with new engines, electronics and such, but I can't see a better airframe for this job. Just open up the line again and build them, it's not like we don't know how to do so. That is where we waste so much money in defense is re-inventing the wheel for new toys.

BTW - Welcome to DU!


:hi:

all I can say is that when the last P-3 is grounded it will be a sad day.

Great airplane to work with out of any environment, but like the B-727 from Boeing its glory days are soon to be over.