Boeing to Provide More Poseidon Surveillance Aircraft through New Contract

 

Boeing may seek individuals with security clearance

Boeing has reportedly been awarded a $1.7 billion low-rate initial production award to provide seven more P-8A Poseidon maritime surveillance aircraft to the U.S. Navy, reports United Press International.

According to the news source, the new production award is a follow-up to a contract awarded in January that called for six aircraft. Boeing will reportedly be responsible for maintenance and crew training for the Navy starting in 2012.

"This contract is the result of the Boeing and Navy team's hard work and commitment, and moves us a step closer to P-8A full-rate production," Chuck Dabundo, Boeing's vice president and P-8 program manager, said in a statement.

The company reportedly completed assembly of the first round of aircraft over the summer at its facility in Renton, Washington, with a first flight taking place on July 7, UPI reported. The Poseidon aircraft are described as anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare planes that provide intelligence and reconnaissance.

As a result, Boeing could be in position to add intelligence jobs or defense jobs. Due to the nature of the work involved under the contract, the company would likely seek individuals with security clearance.