Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion

The maritime patrol aircraft built for long-endurance surveillance.

Overview

Lockheed Martin United States ICAO: P3 1962–1990 Active $36 million (1987)

The Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion is a four-engine turboprop aircraft developed for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare. Based on a commercial airliner design, it has served for decades in naval and coast guard roles. The aircraft is known for its long endurance and mission flexibility.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
4 × Allison T56-A-14 turboprop
Engine type
Turboprop
Power
4 × 4,600 shp · 3,430 kW
Avionics
Raytheon AN/APS-115, AN/APS-137D, Lockheed Martin AN/ALQ-78 etc.
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
11
Crew
—
Cabin width
10 ft 10 in  ·  3.30 m
Cabin height
7 ft 6 in  ·  2.29 m
Cabin length
69 ft 1 in  ·  21.06 m
Exterior length
116 ft 10 in  ·  35.60 m
Tail height
33 ft 8 in  ·  10.27 m
Fuselage diameter
11 ft 4 in  ·  3.45 m
Wing span
99 ft 9 in  ·  30.40 m
Baggage volume
4,259 ft³  ·  120.6 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
142,000 lb  ·  64,500 kg
Max landing weight
104,000 lb  ·  47,100 kg
Max payload
58,000 lb  ·  26,200 kg
Fuel capacity
9,200 gal · 34,800 L · 27,900 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
411 kt  ·  473 mph  ·  761 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
112 kt  ·  129 mph  ·  207 km/h
Range
4,860 nm  ·  5,590 mi  ·  9,000 km
Fuel burn
0.54 nm/gal  ·  0.26 km/L
Ceiling
28,300 ft  ·  8,600 m
Rate of climb
3,140 ft/min  ·  16 m/s
Takeoff distance
4,250 ft  ·  1,290 m
Landing distance
2,750 ft  ·  840 m
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Pakistan Navy Lockheed P-3C Orion

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Operational Context

Lockheed Martin P-3 Orion — long-range maritime patrol aircraft

The P-3 first flew in 1959 as a military adaptation of the Lockheed L-188 Electra airliner. Entering service in the early 1960s, it was designed to detect and track submarines over vast ocean areas. The aircraft features a high wing, four turboprop engines, and a large internal weapons bay.

Powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engines producing approximately 4,600 shaft horsepower each, the P-3 cruises at around 330 knots (610 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight is roughly 142,000 pounds (64,400 kg). The aircraft can carry torpedoes, depth charges, and surveillance equipment.

The Orion has operated with numerous navies and has seen service in anti-submarine warfare, maritime patrol, and overland intelligence roles. Its endurance and payload capacity have kept it relevant for decades. The P-3 remains one of the most widely recognized maritime patrol aircraft in history.