Airbus Defence and Space together with its team partner Lockheed Martin Overseas Services Corporation (LMOSC) are to undertake a Mid-Life Upgrade (MLU) – re-winging – of the German Navy fleet of P-3C Orion maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft.

Under the terms of an eight-year contract signed with the Federal Office of Bundeswehr Equipment, Information Technology and In-Service Support (BAAINBw) the companies will upgrade eight aircraft.

The contract includes the production of eight MLU-kits (outer wing, centre fuselage, and horizontal stabilizer) by LMOSC primarily in Marietta, Georgia, as well as other locations in the United States.  Airbus Defence and Space will be responsible for integration, installation and check out of the MLU-K15 kits for the P-3C Orion aircraft at Manching, Germany.

“Once installed, these new wings will extend the life of each German Navy P-3 by 15,000 hours per aircraft, which will allow the German Navy fleet to meet future mission requirements,” said Mark Jarvis, Director of P-3 Programs at Lockheed Martin. “We look forward to working with Airbus to provide the German Navy, and specifically Naval Air Wing 3 at NAS Nordholz, the improved capability that these wings will provide.”

As the Weapon System Support company, Airbus Defence and Space provides to the German Navy full in-service support for its P-3C Orion fleet.

Frank Bodenstein, Senior Manager and Head of P-3 Orion / Logistic and Engineering Programmes at Airbus Defence and Space said: “This contract clearly demonstrates the future requirement for this weapon system and Airbus Defence and Space is looking forward to supporting the Germany Navy with our capabilities at our military aircraft centre in Manching for many years to come.”

Airbus Military press release