An international military contract is bringing more work to Cecil Airport.
Teams at Boeing’s Jacksonville facility have begun modifying the first of two Royal Australian Air Force P-8A Poseidon aircraft that will be upgraded at Cecil under the contract, according to an Oct. 30 news release.
Through a four-year program, Boeing is outfitting RAAF Poseidon aircraft with advanced antennas, sensors and software to improve computer processing and communications. Other than the two being upgraded in Jacksonville, the other aircraft in the program will be modified by Boeing Defence Australia near RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia.
The modifications are designed to allow aircrews to better search out, detect and target submarines. The aircraft, based on the Boeing’s 737-800 airliner, is used for anti-submarine warfare, maritime surveillance and other purposes.
Australia is the first international customer to receive the Poseidon upgrades from Boeing.
The RAAF jet is also the first international P-8A to be upgraded in Jacksonville, where Boeing teams continue to modernize and deliver aircraft for the U.S. Navy, the release says.