Boeing delivered its sixth production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy, completing the first group of low-rate initial production aircraft used for maritime patrol, Boeing announced Monday.
Boeing is on schedule to build 24 P-8A aircraft as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012.
The Navy plans to buy 117 P-8As as it replaces its fleet of P-3 aircraft.
The planes use the Boeing 737-800 commercial aircraft platform.
Spirit AeroSystems builds the entire fuselage, pylons and thrust reverser in Wichita and wing components in Tulsa.
The P-8A provides long-range patrol capabilities, such as anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.
Boeing will deliver its seventh production P-8A to the Navy later in the first quarter.
