Boeing opens new P-8 aircraft production facility in Seattle

November 11th 2010

The Boeing Company on Thursday inaugurated its new P-8 aircraft production facility near Boeing Field in Seattle that will allow conducting tests on aircraft and installing mission systems.

"The new factory is a great fit as Boeing transitions to building production aircraft, in part because it allows us to incorporate a leaner workflow," said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. "We’ll complete work on the P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the U.S. Navy and the P-8I aircraft for the Indian navy in this facility, and plan to use this space for future P-8 customers’ aircraft as well.”

The U.S. Navy plans to acquire 117 P-8A anti-submarine warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its current P-3 fleet. Initial operational capability is scheduled for 2013.

On the other hand, the Indian Navy signed a contract for eight P-8I aircraft in January 2009. Boeing will deliver the first P-8I aircraft within 48 months after contract signing and the remaining seven by 2015.

The P-8 aircraft is being assembled in Renton, Washington and after final assembly the aircraft will be flown to Boeing Field’s new facility where employees will install systems and test the planes before customer delivery.

The P-8 is based on Boeing’s Next-Generation 737 commercial airplane. Boeing is using a proven in-line production process to efficiently design and build the aircraft. The P-8 unique modifications are made in sequence during fabrication and assembly.

Boeing is building and testing six flight-test and two ground-test aircraft as part of the U.S. Navy System Development and Demonstration contract received in 2004. The first three flight-test aircraft are completing testing at Naval Air Station Patuxent River, Maryland.

The P-8 is built by a Boeing-led industry team that includes CFM International, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon, Spirit AeroSystems, GE Aviation and BAE Systems.