First RAF Poseidon prepares for maiden flight

摘要

WORK ON the first P-8A Poseidon MRA1 for the Royal Air Force is progressing rapidly and Boeing has now completed final assembly of the aircraft, ZP801 (l 7532), at Renton, Washington. After being painted in an overall grey colour scheme with RAF markings and titles applied, it appeared on the flight line on June 22 to undergo final preparations for its maiden flight, due to take place in July. By June 27, beneath the RAF titles on the starboard forward fuselage side, it also gained the name Pride of Moray, a reference to the region in which its future base, RAF Lossiemouth, is located. After its initial test sortie, the aircraft will be grounded for installation of its extensive military mission equipment fit. Once this is complete, in October, it will be initially delivered to Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Florida, where RAF personnel from No 120 Squadron are already training on the type with the P-8As of Patrol Squadron 30 (VP-30) 'Pro's Nest', the US Navy Maritime Patrol and Reconnaissance Fleet Replacement Squadron - see RAF aircrew train on Poseidon, June p9.