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Norwegian EEZ

The Government of Norway recently signed a $95 million contract with Lockheed Martin to build new production service life extension kits for 6 Royal Norwegian Air Force P-3C/N Orion long-range maritime patrol aircraft, and offer engineering and other support. It’s estimated that the SLEP will add more than 15,000 flying hours to each aircraft, representing 20-25 additional years of service covering NATO operations and Norway’s large over-water economic exclusion zone. Lockheed Martin adds that it will also lift flying restrictions currently imposed on the global P-3 Orion fleet due to aging problems.

In order to accomplish these goals, the program aims to replace all “fatigue life limiting” structures with enhanced design components and improved, corrosion resistant materials. The Norwegian life extension kit draws on the November 2005 developments covered in “Lockheed Opens Wing Production Line to Keep P-3 Orions Flying”; replacements will include the outer wings, the center wing lower surface, horizontal stabilizer, horizontal stabilizer leading edges, and nacelle components…

Contracts and Key Events

US Navy P-3C
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Sept 25/09: Lockheed Martin delivers the first set of new production P-3 Orion wings to the Royal Norwegian Air Force, who are the launch customer for its re-winging production line. The new production wings are the cornerstone of Lockheed Martin’s P-3 Aircraft Service Life Extension Program (ASLEP), which replaces the outer wings, center wing lower surface assembly, horizontal stabilizer, wing and horizontal stabilizer leading edges and various filet fairings. New alloys are employed that provide a fivefold increase in corrosion resistance.

Feb 28/07: Lockheed Martin announces the $95 million P-3 ASLEP contract with Norway. The RNoAF will receive 6 life extension kits, 2 conditional kits and engineering support under the contract.