Description
The Ρ-3Β Orion is a long-range, four-propellar aircraft which greately cooperates with the navy.
It originates from the United States and its true purpose is to detect ships, submarines and mines. Although it was first launched in the 1960s, it still remains up until today as one of the most trustworthy aircrafts for the job.
Greece received six (6) used P-3s from the United States between 1996-1997, which replaced the HU-16B Albatross.
The aircrafts are grey and they are handled and maintained by the 353 Naval Cooperation Squadron, which consists of staff from the Hellenic Air Force and Navy.
The aircraft’s capabilities, including antisubmarine warfare, maritime research and monitoring and naval support, outdo those of the Albatros, which it replaced.
Its equipment consists of tactical-navy AN/ ASN-124 systems, audio processing devices, ESM and electronic self-protection systems. It is capable of transporting equipment weighing up to 10 tons, including conventional weapon loads such as the Mk 46 Mod.5 submarine torpedos and Mk 55 mines. Although the P-3B weapons and equipment systems are satisfactory to the current needs of the Hellenic Armed Forces, there are constant considerations for upgrades, based on the experience of the USN, which constantly applies new modernization standards.
Technical Characteristics/Performances:
- Staff: 8 (3 Aviators and 5 naval staff members)
- Motor: Allison T-56-A-14 with 4.910 hp power
- Wingspan: 30.37 m
- Length: 35.61 μ
- Maximum speed: 411 nodes
- Maximum height: 8. 625 m
