P-8A gets new kit for extended Search and Rescue capability

Flying at a maximum speed of about 565 mph, at about 41,000 feet, the US Navy’s P-8A Poseidon already covers an operational area of about 1,200 nautical miles during a four-hour on-station period. Now, add air-to-air refueling for extended range and endurance and an advanced search and rescue kit and officials say the P-8A is postured to respond to humanitarian missions around the globe. “The UNIPAC III Search and Rescue (SAR) kit is designed to substantially increase survivor assistance,” said Squadron Leader Nathan Mula, an Australian P-8A Flight Test Tactical officer. He added that, “the kit increases the survivor assistance capability of the P-8A from 16 to 100 people in a single sortie.”