Facing the prospect of an inventory shortage of operationally available P-3s as the aging maritime surveillance aircraft begin to run out of life, Navy officials are trying to determine if it is feasible to field the follow-on Multimission Maritime Aircraft faster than planned. MMA is one of the Navy's largest looming procurements, with Boeing and Lockheed Martin vying for a deal to build 130-150 new aircraft. Next January, the Navy plans to award a single contract for the system development and demonstration phase, and by then will have had to decide whether to try to pursue a more aggressive program that so far hasn't been drawn up. The two competitors are in the concept advanced development phase during which they are providing the Navy with detailed design information on their offers. Boeing is promoting a 737-700-based aircraft, while Lockheed Martin would re-open the P-3 production line, albeit with a much enhanced version of the venerable aircraft, including new engines, cockpit and mission equipment.
展开▼
