Boeing on Nov. 2 delivered the fifth production P-8A Poseidon aircraft to the U.S. Navy. The P-8A is one of 24 low-rate initial production (LRIP) maritime patrol aircraft that Boeing is building for the Navy as part of contracts awarded in 2011 and 2012.

“This is our final P-8A delivery of the year; we’ll ramp up to 12 deliveries, including P-8I aircraft for India, in 2013,” said Chuck Dabundo, Boeing vice president and P-8 program manager. “Our in-line production approach, which draws on processes developed on the company’s commercial and military programs, has been key to our ability to increase production rates while reducing costs.”

“As we transition to the P-8A and prepare for Initial Operational Capability in 2013, the U.S. Navy is successfully flying the first production planes at Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Fla.,” said Capt. Aaron Rondeau, U.S. Navy P-8A Integrated Product Team lead.

The next three Poseidon aircraft are undergoing mission systems installation and checkout in Seattle, and two more are in final assembly in Renton, Wash. Boeing will deliver its sixth production P-8A to the Navy in early 2013.

The Navy plans to purchase 117 of the Boeing 737-based P-8A anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet.

As part of the LRIP contracts, Boeing is also providing aircrew and maintenance training for the Navy, in addition to logistics support, spares, support equipment and tools.

Boeing has delivered the sixth Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) C-17 Globemaster III today at the company’s final assembly facility in Long Beach. The airlifter will be assigned to No. 36 Squadron at RAAF Base Amberley near Brisbane, where it will help meet increased demand for airlift to support military, humanitarian and peacekeeping operations.

“I am delighted to accept the sixth C-17 on behalf of the Royal Australian Air Force,” said RAAF Chief of Air Force, Air Marshal Geoff Brown. “The C-17 is a capability that has improved Australia’s reach locally, regionally and globally. Individually, the aircraft is impressive – but as a fleet, it has fundamentally enhanced our strategic airlift agility to meet the Australian Defence Force Air Mobility requirements.”

The government of Australia announced its intent to buy a sixth airlifter during last year’s arrival ceremony for the RAAF’s fifth C-17. The contract was completed on June 6 and now Boeing has delivered the aircraft less than five months later, due to the strong cooperation among the Australian and U.S. governments working with the Boeing team.

“The C-17 symbolizes the strength and the enduring nature of the partnership between Boeing and the Commonwealth of Australia,” said Bob Ciesla, vice president, Airlift, and C-17 program manager. “We look forward to supporting the RAAF and this aircraft as we do the five other C-17s at Amberley.”

Boeing provides after-delivery support to the RAAF C-17 fleet as part of the C-17 Globemaster III Integrated Sustainment Program (GISP) Performance-Based Logistics agreement with the U.S. Air Force. The GISP “virtual fleet” arrangement provides the highest airlift mission-capable rate at one of the lowest costs per flying hour.

Boeing has delivered 248 C-17s worldwide, including 218 to the U.S. Air Force active duty, Guard and Reserve units. A total of 30 C-17s have been delivered to Australia, Canada, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom and the 12-member Strategic Airlift Capability initiative of NATO and Partnership for Peace nations. India has 10 C-17s on order for delivery in 2013 and 2014.