Boeing delivered the 18th P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy ahead of schedule October 14, where it joined other Poseidon aircraft being used to train Navy crews.

The P-8A departed Boeing Field in Seattle for Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla., and was Boeing’s fifth delivery this year.

“We’re proud to continue to deliver aircraft on cost and on schedule,” said Rick Heerdt, Boeing Mobility, Surveillance & Engagement vice president and program manager. “The Navy’s need for the P-8A resonates even more following Patrol Squadron 5’s recent operational deployment.”

Earlier this summer, the VP-5 ‘Mad Foxes’ replaced the VP-16 War Eagles squadron that completed 600 sorties and 3,500 flight hours while on deployment operating out of Kadena Air Base, Japan. The Mad Foxes are currently conducting operational missions internationally.

Based on the Boeing Next-Generation 737-800 commercial airplane, the P-8A provides the Navy anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities.

The Navy plans to purchase the versatile multi-mission aircraft to replace its P-3 Orion fleet. Boeing is currently under contract for 53 P-8As.

Boeing’s industry team includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, BAE Systems and GE Aviation.

Boeing press release