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Boeing P-8

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Old 11th Apr 2012, 22:03
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Lonewolf

Whilst technology can massively help in any tactical scenario, sometimes not emitting any RF and using the Mk1 Eyeball can be hugely advantageous in any game of cat and mouse - especially in the maritime environment.

The RNZAF won more than one international competition courtesy of visual detections!
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Old 11th Apr 2012, 22:33
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It's a most impressive aircraft, on the ground. How it performs remains to be seen.

It has two beam look out positions with great viz, only feet away from the sensor stations that have no clutter in the way to have a quick look out of the window. Very spacious cabin, loads of room.

It is fitted with a very capable MX-20 (Wescam) turret that can be mounted either forward or aft. Beats the eyeball most days.

Fantastic on paper, let's see how it performs - particularly at low level (500') on that wing. Fingers crossed.
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Old 12th Apr 2012, 01:51
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Scuttled - Yes, it's impressive. There's been some interesting to-and-fro about CONOPS and low-high altitude, with MAD disappearing from USN and remaining on the Indian aircraft, and future Blocks being planned around high-alt tactics and gizmos like sonobuoy-tube-launched UAVs and glider torpedoes.

Also, some suggestions 'ere and there that sub-launched weapons like the Diehl IDAS (or equivalents) could give the sub commander a last-ditch option against a low-level MAD pass...
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Old 12th Apr 2012, 08:06
  #44 (permalink)  
 
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The P-8A will use a new hydrocarbon sensor to detect fuel vapors from diesel submarines and other conventionally powered ships. No snorkeling allowed!

This is apparently what the USN feels will be better than MADS... since the USN is focused on "littoral ASW", there are too many shallow-water magnetic anomalies (wrecks, ferrous rocks, etc) for MAD to be "reliable" in finding subs. The old "go back and see if it moves" bit is less effective with non-nucs anyway, since many navies operating in shallow waters like to sit on the bottom and listen/wait, so they might not move for a long time.

The P-8 does seem to be capable of dropping sonobuoy at fairly low altitude... enlarge the pic in this story, the smoke markers in the water seem not too far below the aircraft. P-8 also carries 50% more sonobuoys than the P-3 did.
U.S. Navy Boeing P-8A Poseidon launches first sonobuoys | Boeing and Aerospace News - seattlepi.com
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Old 12th Apr 2012, 12:27
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The P-8A will use a new hydrocarbon sensor to detect fuel vapors from diesel submarines and other conventionally powered ships.
Sounds like Autolycus returns - another good 'old' technology which worked quite well in the Shackleton - but no doubt wrapped up in some modern garb and extremely costly.
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