First Chilean P-3 begins modernization

The Chilean Navy announced that the first of its two P-3 Orion maritime patrol aircraft departed the Concon Air Base to begin its modernization overhaul in Canada.

The Orions will be overhauled by Canada’s IMP under a contract signed in October 2016.

Under the structural mid-life upgrade modification, the Orions will receive upgraded engines, and a phased depot maintenance inspection.

After the aircraft’s wings and stabilizers, engines, and avionics are upgraded, they will remain operational until 2037.

According to the Chilean Navy, the current Allison T56-A10 engines will be replaced with T56-A14 engines while Rockwell Collins’ Flight2 avionics suite of communications, navigation and surveillance equipment will be installed to integrate new-generation avionics with legacy sensors, radios, autopilot and aircraft systems.