2020’s Top Ten Stories: 5 things to know about the Poseidon
In at number 7 is 5 things you need to know about the RAF’s new P-8A Poseidon aircraft. As we countdown to 2021, we are taking a look at some of our most-read stories from the last year.
Each day in the run-up to New Year’s Day we will be reposting our most-read stories from 2020.
So far we’ve had;
10–2020’s Top Ten Stories: Inside Strategic Command
9 — 2020’s Top Ten Stories: Airborne soldiers make history
8–2020’s Top Ten Stories: What kit does an Apache Pilot carry?
5 things to know about the Poseidon
The RAF’s new P-8A Poseidon is designed for anti-submarine warfare. Did you know it was borne from a Boeing 737? Find out why it’s so unique.
1. In August, the Poseidon intercepted its first Russian warship.
The UK’s purchase of the Poseidon is in response to threats, such as Russian submarines in the Atlantic returning to Cold War levels. China is also expanding into the Arctic.
The Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Mike Wigston, says:
“Russian submarines have nowhere to hide.”
- Read more here.
2. It can carry almost the weight of a blue whale.
To put its size into real terms, the Poseidon’s maximum take-off weight is as much as 14 elephants, or 4/5ths of a blue whale.
At 189,000 pounds, it is an incredibly strong aircraft.
3. As well as surveillance technology, it can fire torpedoes and harpoons.
Here is a graphic of what the plane can do, including search and rescue, anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare:
4. It can travel at 4/5ths of the speed of sound.
In addition to being able to carry enormous weight, fire torpedoes and conduct complex surveillance missions, it can reach high speeds.
At 907km/h, the plane can almost reach the speed of sound.
In other words, this is 3 times as fast as an arrow, and 20 times as fast as Usain Bolt.
5. The model is already being delivered to the US, Australian and Indian militaries.
At home in RAF Lossiemouth, the aircraft will be equipped with US weapons, although British weapons may be used in the future.
The US Navy finished the P-8A Poseidon in 2013 and it is now being widely delivered not only to US units, but also to the Indian Navy and Royal Australian Air Force.
It is a key tool for the UK and NATO.
See more pictures of the Poseidon aircraft here.
