Lockheed CP-140 Aurora
The Lockheed CP -140 Aurora is a four-engine, propeller- driven submarine - hunting aircraft, which has been derived from the U.S. P -3 Orion for the Canadian Air Force. The CP- 140A variant carries instead of the epithet Aurora the name Arcturus.
Description
The development of the CP -140 can be traced to the 1970s traced back when the Canadian Air Force was looking for a replacement for the obsolete CP -107 Argus. In particular, the increasing demands of NATO in the field of submarine hunting in the northwestern Atlantic overmatched the CP- 107. A suitable successor pattern seemed to be that also had the advantage that they had already tried and immediately available, the P-3C Orion by Lockheed. The AIRCOM opted for some adjustments: so they chose other ESM pods out on the wing tips, replacing the ASW systems through which the S -3A Viking. The fact that it fell back only to existing systems, the development risk and thus the development costs could be kept low. The first prototype, which is now the identification of CP -140 was eventually lifted on 22 March 1979, on its maiden flight. Since no serious problems occurred, the CP -140 could be put into service in 1980.
A total of up to 1991 21 CP -140 built and delivered, with the last three machines represent a special feature. These have been delivered without ASW equipment and are referred to as CP- 140A Arcturus. This can not be used for submarine hunting, but only maritime surveillance. Because they lack the heavy ASW equipment, the Arcturus machines are lighter and have lower operating costs. Therefore, they are often used by AIRCOM for training and training missions.
1998 was initiated by AIRCOM the "Aurora Incremental Modernization Project" ( AIMP ). This primarily involves the modernization of the electronics of the Aurora fleet, with Arcturus machines have not been taken into account. After long delays AIMP been put on hold by the Canadian Parliament on 20 September 2007, as it was felt that the replacement would be better with more modern machines. The freeze was lifted but on 18 December the same year again by the Ministry of Defence. This justified the decision by saying that the Aurora fleet would not operate without AIMP about the year 2020, and 10 of the 18 machines would need to be structurally reinforced immediately to possible signs of wear. But ultimately, the "Aurora Structural Life Extension Project " ( ASLEP ) was initiated that the airframe of the Auroras hold at least 15,000 flight hours to ensure. Regardless of the AIMP program was meanwhile divided into three blocks. After block I has already been completed, the navigation systems and the cockpit avionics are currently being modernized in Block II. Work on the Block II to be completed in spring 2011. In block III, then the sensors and the mission computer to be replaced by newer models.
Despite the AIMP and ASLEP program potential successor model for the CP -140 will be tested. These include, inter alia, the P-8 Poseidon, Boeing and Raytheon Sentinel, which is based on the Global Express XRS Bombardier.
Specifications
Arming
- Payload of up to 9072 kg, of which 3290 kg and 5782 kg internally to ten external Aufhängestationen can be carried, consisting of: Mk 46 Mod V torpedoes
- Air - to-surface missiles
- Conventional bombs