Lockheed CP-140 Aurora

Last updated

CP-140 Aurora
CP-140A Arcturus
Lockheed CP-140 Aurora, Canada - Air Force JP7645830.jpg
CP-140 Aurora 140107 flying at John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport near Mount Hope, Ontario
Role Maritime patrol aircraft (CP-140)
MPA trainer aircraft (CP-140A)
Manufacturer Lockheed Corporation
First flight22 March 1979
Introduction 1980
Retired2011 (CP-140A only)
StatusActive (CP-140M only)
Primary user Royal Canadian Air Force
Number built21 (18 CP-140M + 3 CP-140A)
Developed from Lockheed P-3 Orion

The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a maritime patrol aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force. The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the Lockheed S-3 Viking. "Aurora" refers to the Roman goddess of dawn who flies across the sky each morning ahead of the sun. [1] Aurora also refers to the Aurora Borealis, the "northern lights", that are prominent over northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean.

Contents

The CP-140A Arcturus was a related variant used primarily for pilot training and coastal surface patrol missions.

Design and development

The CP-140 Aurora is very similar externally to the Lockheed P-3C Orion (Canadian ESM wingtip pods instead of the American ESM wing pod), but is different internally, using two sets of mission systems that were first installed in yet another Lockheed anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the carrier-based S-3A Viking. The aircraft's sensors are primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) work but are also capable of maritime surveillance, counter-drug and search-and-rescue missions. The CP-140 is Canada's only strategic Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, conducting long range missions over land, water and littoral areas. These missions are flown in support of Canadian Joint Operations Command, the RCMP, and several other federal government departments.

In 1991, Lockheed shut down its production lines in Burbank, California, for the P-3 Orion, which shares the same airframe with the CP-140. Three surplus airframes on hand were purchased by the Air Command, but delivered without the anti-submarine fit. These three aircraft were designated the CP-140A Arcturus and were used primarily for pilot training and coastal surface patrol missions. [2]

Aurora Incremental Modernization Project

CP-140 Aurora 140105 departing from London International Airport near London, Ontario, in 2004 Lockheed CP-140 Aurora, Canada - Air Force AN0618827.jpg
CP-140 Aurora 140105 departing from London International Airport near London, Ontario, in 2004

The Aurora Incremental Modernization Project (AIMP), initiated in 1998 to upgrade electronics of the Aurora fleet was halted by the government on 20 September 2007 to evaluate whether the aging fleet should continue to be upgraded or replaced by more modern aircraft. [3] On 18 December 2007 the Department of National Defence rescinded this work suspension so that the project could continue. Work includes upgrading computer, navigation, communication and radar systems as well as making structural improvements to ten of eighteen aircraft. The intent of the modernization project is to "keep the aircraft safe and operationally viable until 2020". [4]

AIMP is currently divided into four "blocks". Block I is complete and concentrated on the replacement of unsupportable systems. Block II brought a glass cockpit with the Navigation and Flight Instruments (NFI) component provided by CMC Electronics, [5] and a complete replacement of the communications suite. Block III is currently in progress, and is a wholesale replacement of the aircraft's sensors and mission computer. Block IV will consist of further upgrades to the tactical compartment and mission systems.[ needs update ]

Once AIMP was completed the CP-140 was designated as CP-140M.

Aurora Structural Life Extension Program

The Aurora Structural Life Extension Project (ASLEP) is proceeding with 14 of the 18 Auroras scheduled to receive new wings and the replacement of key structural components. The complete ASLEP solution replaces the aircraft's outer wings, centre wing lower section and horizontal stabilizers with new production components. All fatigue-life limiting structures on the aircraft are replaced with enhanced-design components and improved corrosion-resistant materials that will greatly reduce maintenance costs over the aircraft's service life. This program is expected to extend the CP140s' service life by 15,000 flight hours per airframe. [6]

Operational history

CP-140 Aurora

CP-140s and South Korean P-3s at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base in Hawaii Kaneohe ROK and Canadian P-3s.jpg
CP-140s and South Korean P-3s at Kaneohe Marine Corps Base in Hawaii

The Aurora was acquired in the early 1980s to replace the CP-107 Argus and to further support Canada's anti-submarine warfare mission obligations under NATO for the northwest Atlantic sector. [7] Short deployments to Alaska (Adak), Hawaii (Kaneohe Bay), Iceland (Keflavik), the UK (St Mawgan and Kinloss), and Norway (Andoya) were the norm. However, since the end of the Cold War, they have been used primarily in coastal surveillance and sovereignty patrols by providing an all-weather mission surveillance platform. Increasingly, as the CP-140 moves into the 21st century, it is employed for domestic and international surveillance by CANCOM for security, counter-terrorism and smuggling, as well as to monitor foreign fishing fleets off Canada's coasts. CP-140s have also been deployed on operations such as Operation Assistance and Operation Apollo.

Deployments have included OP SHARPGUARD (Yugoslavia blockade), OP SIRIUS (Mediterranean Patrols), OP APOLLO (Persian Gulf region), and counter-narcotics patrols in the Gulf of Mexico and Pacific. [8] Through all this, patrols of the Canadian Arctic continue to take advantage of the airframe's unique abilities. [9]

In 2011 and 2012, CP-140 aircraft performed maritime patrol missions in the Libyan waters to help in the enforcement of the no-fly zone over Libya under Operation Odyssey Dawn and Operation Unified Protector. [10]

As of January 2017, two CP-140s were conducting overland surveillance missions against ISIL as part of Operation Impact. However one aircraft was withdrawn in May 2017. [11]

From October 2018, due to support the implementation of United Nations Security Council sanctions imposed against North Korea, Canadian Armed Forces deploy periodically a Canadian frigate and/or a CP-140 Aurora on Operation Neon. [12] In June 2022 it was reported that Chinese jets had repeatedly intercepted the Aurora in a manner which the Canada military said failed to adhere to international air safety norms. [13] [14] Some of these intercepts forced the Aurora to change its flight path to avoid collision with the intercepting aircraft. [15] Canadian government officials said the incidents were happening with increasing frequency and that they had lodged protests on multiple occasions with their Chinese counterparts, although an article by Global News said that China is not believed to have responded to the reprimands as the interceptions had not stopped continuing. [16] On October 16, 2023, during a Canadian reconnaissance flight over international waters as part of a United Nations resolution to stop illegal oil shipments to North Korea, Chinese fighter jets intercepted the Aurora for multiple hours over the course of the Aurora's flight. One of the fighter jets behaved in an "aggressive manner" by flying back and forth in close proximity and flying with the Canadian plane within its blind spot, and firing off flares from near the front of the plane. [17]

In February 2023, as a result of recent violence and unrest, a CP-140 was deployed to Haiti to help "disrupt the activities of gangs" by providing surveillance and intelligence. [18] Separately, a CP-140 collaborated with USAF F-22 Raptors to intercept and down an unidentified object over Yukon Territory. [19]

CP-140A Arcturus

A CP-140A Arcturus 140120 at Downsview Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2008 CP-140A Arcturus.jpg
A CP-140A Arcturus 140120 at Downsview Airport in Toronto, Ontario, Canada in 2008

Lacking the expensive, heavy and sensitive anti-submarine warfare as well as the anti-surface warfare fittings of the CP-140 Aurora, the Arcturus was more fuel efficient and was used for crew training duties (such as touch-and-go landing practice), general maritime surface reconnaissance (detecting drug operations, smuggling of illegal immigrants, fisheries protection patrols, pollution monitoring, etc.), search-and-rescue assistance and Arctic sovereignty patrols. The Arcturus did possess a superior AN/APS-507 surface search radar, incorporating modern functions such as track-while-scan that the Aurora's AN/APS-506 radar lacks but the Arcturus did not have an integrated mission computer, or mission systems. It did, however, maintain the same military communications suite as the CP-140 Aurora.[ citation needed ]

All three aircraft were based at 14 Wing. Upon retirement from flying operations, one was used for technician training with 404 Long Range Patrol and Training Squadron on base CFB Greenwood, Nova Scotia, before being moved to the Greenwood Military Aviation Museum on base. The last two of the CP-140As were retired in 2011 when they were delivered to the Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group (AMARG) in Tucson, Arizona. [20]

Replacement

Several options had been suggested for a CP-140M replacement. These included the Boeing P-8 Poseidon and the Raytheon Sentinel, [21] [22] based on the Bombardier Global Express-6500, as well as late entrant PAL Aerospace Global Express 6500-based P-6. [23]

The RCAF had planned to downsize the fleet from 18 to 14 aircraft, with three already being withdrawn and a fourth test aircraft to be retired in the near future. The retirement of the CP-140 was originally expected around 2030, and could have resulted in a capability gap as the RCAF did not anticipate replacements to be delivered until 2032 to 2038. [24] The RCAF's Weapon System Manager (WSM) had prepared plans to have the CP-140M operational until 2035 to 2040. [25]

On March 28, 2023, the Government of Canada sent a Letter of Request to the US's Foreign Military Sales program to approve the purchase 16 P-8A to replace the current CP-140 fleet, but it did not indicate any timeline for delivery. [26] On June 27, 2023, the US Congress approved the LOR for the Canada to acquire the P-8. [27]

On November 30, 2023, Minister of National Defence Bill Blair announced the acquisition of 16 P-8A Poseidon aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force. This acquisition is initially set for 14 aircraft, with an option of 2 additional aircraft. It is anticipated by the Department of National Defence that the first aircraft will be delivered in 2026, with full operational capacity by 2033. [28]

Operators

Flag of Canada (Pantone).svg  Canada

Aircraft on display

Specifications (CP-140)

Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1981-82 [32]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics

  • Univac AN/AYK-502 nav/attack computer
  • Digital magnetic tape units and video recorders
  • AN/APS-116 search radar
  • OR-5004/AA (modified) FLIR
  • AN/ASN505 dual INS
  • AN/APN-510 Doppler
  • AN/ARN-511 Omega nav system
  • HF/UHF/VHF comms
  • Airways nav aids
  • AN/ASW-502 AFCS
  • AN/ASQ-502 MAD
  • KA-501A day/night camera with night illuminator
  • Sonobuoys
  • Wescam MX-20 Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) suite
  • Electronic Support Measures (ESM)
  • Applanix DSS-439 Digital Mapping Camera (DSS)
  • hand-held digital camera
  • gyro-stabilized binoculars
  • 3 AN/ARC-210 V/UHF Radios
  • 1 AN/ARC-234 V/UHF SATCOM Radio.

See also

Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lockheed P-3 Orion</span> Maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft family

The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a four-engined, turboprop anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft developed for the United States Navy and introduced in the 1960s. Lockheed based it on the L-188 Electra commercial airliner; it is easily distinguished from the Electra by its distinctive tail stinger or "MAD" boom, used for the magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) of submarines.

The history of the Royal Canadian Air Force begins in 1914, with the formation of the Canadian Aviation Corps (CAC) that was attached to the Canadian Expeditionary Force during the First World War. It consisted of one aircraft that was never called into service. In 1918, a wing of two Canadian squadrons called the Canadian Air Force (CAF) was formed in England and attached to the Royal Air Force, but it also would never see wartime service. Postwar, an air militia also known as the Canadian Air Force was formed in Canada in 1920. In 1924 the CAF was renamed the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) when it was granted the royal title by King George V. The RCAF existed as an independent service until 1968.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maritime patrol aircraft</span> Military aircraft designed to reconnoiter oceans and other bodies of water

A maritime patrol aircraft (MPA), also known as a patrol aircraft, maritime reconnaissance aircraft, maritime surveillance aircraft, or by the older American term patrol bomber, is a fixed-wing aircraft designed to operate for long durations over water in maritime patrol roles — in particular anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-ship warfare (AShW), and search and rescue (SAR).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet</span> Series of multirole combat aircraft

The McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet is a Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) variant of the American McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet fighter aircraft. In 1980, the F/A-18 was selected as the winner of the New Fighter Aircraft Project competition and awarded a production order; deliveries of the CF-18 to the Canadian Armed Forces began in 1982. CF-18s have supported North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) air sovereignty patrols and participated in combat during the Gulf War in 1991, the Kosovo War in the late 1990s, and as part of the Canadian contribution to the international Libyan no-fly zone in 2011. CF-18s were also part of the Canadian contribution to the military intervention against ISIL, Operation Impact.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boeing P-8 Poseidon</span> American maritime patrol aircraft

The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is an American maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft developed and produced by Boeing Defense, Space & Security, and derived from the civilian Boeing 737-800. It was developed for the United States Navy (USN).

Canadian Forces Base Summerside was an air force base located in St. Eleanors, Prince Edward Island, Canada, now part of the city of Summerside.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lockheed JetStar</span> Executive transport jet by Lockheed

The Lockheed JetStar is a business jet produced from the early 1960s to the 1970s. The JetStar was the first dedicated business jet to enter service, as well as the only such airplane built by Lockheed. It was also one of the largest aircraft in the class for many years, seating ten plus two crew. It is distinguishable from other small jets by its four engines, mounted on the rear of the fuselage, and the "slipper"-style fuel tanks fixed to the wings.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo</span> Jet fighter aircraft

The McDonnell CF-101 Voodoo was an all-weather interceptor aircraft operated by the Royal Canadian Air Force and the Canadian Forces between 1961 and 1984. They were manufactured by the McDonnell Aircraft Corporation of St. Louis, Missouri for the United States Air Force, and later sold to Canada. CF-101s replaced the obsolete Avro CF-100 Canuck in the RCAF's all-weather fighter squadrons. The Voodoo's primary armament was nuclear AIR-2A Genie unguided air-to-air rockets, and there was significant political controversy in Canada about their adoption. Although they never fired a weapon in wartime, the CF-101 served as Canada's primary means of air defence from Quick Reaction Alert facilities at Canadian airbases. The CF-101s were retired in the 1980s and replaced with McDonnell Douglas CF-18 Hornet fighters. Many examples are preserved in museums and parks in Canada and the United States.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PAL Airlines</span> Canadian regional airline

PAL Airlines is a Canadian regional airline with headquarters at St. John's International Airport in St John's, Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada. PAL operates scheduled passenger, cargo, air ambulance and charter services. PAL is the commercial airline arm of the PAL Group of Companies. In addition to its head office, it also has bases in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, and Montreal, Quebec. PAL is the second largest regional airline operator in Eastern Canada next to Jazz Aviation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bréguet 1150 Atlantic</span> Type of aircraft

The Breguet Br.1150 Atlantic is a long-range maritime patrol aircraft designed and manufactured by French aircraft manufacturer Breguet Aviation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CFB Greenwood</span> Air force base in Canada

Canadian Forces Base Greenwood, or CFB Greenwood, is a Canadian Forces Base located 1.5 nautical miles east of Greenwood, Nova Scotia. It is primarily operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force and is one of two bases in the country using the CP-140 Aurora and CP-140A Arcturus anti-submarine/maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft. Its primary RCAF lodger unit is 14 Wing, commonly referred to as 14 Wing Greenwood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">CFB Comox</span> Royal Canadian Air Force Base and Airport for Comox Valley

Canadian Forces Base Comox, commonly referred to as CFB Comox or 19 Wing, is a Canadian Forces Base located 2.5 nautical miles north northeast of Comox, Vancouver Island, British Columbia. It is primarily operated as an air force base by the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and is one of two bases in the country using the CP-140 Aurora anti-submarine/maritime patrol and surveillance aircraft. Its primary RCAF lodger unit is 19 Wing, commonly referred to as 19 Wing Comox.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Canadair CP-107 Argus</span> Type of aircraft

The Canadair CP-107 Argus is a maritime patrol aircraft designed and manufactured by Canadair for the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF). The Argus served throughout the Cold War in the RCAF's Maritime Air Command and later the Canadian Force's Maritime Air Group and Air Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">No. 11 Squadron RAAF</span> Royal Australian Air Force squadron

No. 11 Squadron is a Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) maritime patrol squadron based at RAAF Base Edinburgh, South Australia. It was formed in 1939 and has seen active service in World War II, East Timor, the War on Terrorism and the 2003 Gulf War. The squadron became known to the public through its participation in the Great Southern Ocean rescues of wrecked sailors, such as Tony Bullimore and Isabelle Autissier.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">404 Long Range Patrol and Training Squadron</span> Military unit

404 Long Range Patrol and Training Squadron is a long range patrol and training squadron in the Royal Canadian Air Force. The squadron was originally No. 404 Squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) and later the Canadian Forces Air Command.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">405 Long Range Patrol Squadron</span> Military unit

405 Long Range Patrol Squadron is a unit of the Royal Canadian Air Force (RCAF) within the Canadian Forces, initially formed as No. 405 Squadron RCAF during the Second World War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">415 Long Range Patrol Force Development Squadron</span> Military unit

415 Long Range Patrol Force Development Squadron is an air squadron of the Royal Canadian Air Force that first saw service during the Second World War.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Operation Mobile</span> 2011 Canadian Operation in Libya

Operation Mobile was the name given to Canadian Forces activities in the 2011 military intervention in Libya. The United States' counterpart to this was Operation Odyssey Dawn, the French counterpart was Opération Harmattan and the British counterpart was Operation Ellamy. The no-fly zone was proposed during the Libyan Civil War to prevent government forces loyal to Muammar Gaddafi from carrying out air attacks on anti-Gaddafi forces and civilians. The demonstrations in Libya were part of the larger Arab Spring movement that began in the country of Tunisia on 18 December 2010. When demonstrations began in Libya, the government of Muammar Gaddafi responded with systematic attacks by air and ground forces, and repression of the protesters. In a speech, Gaddafi promised to chase down the protesters and cleanse the country "house by house". Several countries prepared to take immediate military action at a conference in Paris on 19 March.

References

Notes
  1. ↑ Myths Encyclopedia Retrieved 26 May 2015
  2. ↑ "Lockheed CP-140 Aurora." rcaf.com. Retrieved: 30 June 2011.
  3. ↑ "Ottawa halts $1.6B upgrade of patrol aircraft." CBC.ca. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  4. ↑ "CP-140 Aurora Modernization." Archived 2009-01-13 at the Wayback Machine Canadian Naval Review. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  5. ↑ "Current Major Crown Projects." ic.gc.ca. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  6. ↑ "Aurora." casr.ca. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  7. ↑ Donald 1997, p. 118.
  8. ↑ "CP-140 Aurora." airforce.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  9. ↑ "What we do: In Canada." Archived 2010-12-05 at the Wayback Machine airforce.forces.gc.ca. Retrieved: 18 August 2010.
  10. ↑ "Canadian Forces Deploy Maritime Patrol Aircraft In Response To Situation In Libya." Archived 2012-09-22 at the Wayback Machine Canadian Forces website, 25 March 2011.
  11. ↑ "Operation IMPACT" Retrieved: 08 Jan 2017
  12. ↑ "Operation NEON" Retrieved :07 Aug 2019
  13. ↑ "Canada alarmed as Chinese fighter pilots 'buzz' Canadian planes over international waters". Global News.
  14. ↑ "Canada says Chinese warplanes harassed its patrol aircraft on N.Korea sanctions mission". Reuters. 2 June 2022.
  15. ↑ "Canada says Chinese warplanes harassed its patrol aircraft on N.Korea sanctions mission". Reuters. 2 June 2022.
  16. ↑ "Canada alarmed as Chinese fighter pilots 'buzz' Canadian planes over international waters". Global News.
  17. ↑ "Chinese military jet intercepts Canadian Forces plane in 'aggressive manner' - National | Globalnews.ca". Global News. Retrieved 16 October 2023.
  18. ↑ "Canada sends military aircraft into Haiti's skies as gang violence escalates". CTV News. 5 February 2023. Retrieved 6 February 2023.
  19. ↑ "US stealth fighter shoots down unidentified object over Canada". Sky News. 12 February 2023. Retrieved 12 February 2023.
  20. ↑ Nicholson, Pete (Sergeant). "The Final Flight of CP140/A AC120 to Tucson, Arizona." Archived 2011-03-17 at the Wayback Machine aviation.ca, 12 March 2011. Retrieved: 20 March 2011.
  21. ↑ "Background – Aurora Alternatives – Boeing P-8A Poseidon Project". Canadian American Strategic Review. 29 April 2009. Archived from the original on 24 May 2010. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
  22. ↑ "Background – Aurora Alternatives — Global Express / R1 Sentinel". Canadian American Strategic Review. 29 April 2009. Archived from the original on 10 June 2011. Retrieved 23 April 2011.
  23. ↑ "PAL's Global 6500-based Maritime Patroller Emerges | AIN".
  24. ↑ "Canadian Multi-Mission Aircraft - Defence Capabilities Blueprint". 30 May 2018.
  25. ↑ "The Lockheed CP-140M 'Aurora', Canada's Current Long Range Patrol Fleet". 23 February 2021.
  26. ↑ "Canada selects Poseidon as CP-140 replacement - Australian Defence Magazine".
  27. ↑ "Canada – P-8A Aircraft | Defense Security Cooperation Agency".
  28. ↑ Defence, National (30 November 2023). "Canada purchasing up to 16 P-8A Poseidon Multi Mission Aircraft for the Royal Canadian Air Force". www.canada.ca. Retrieved 30 November 2023.
  29. ↑ http://airforcemuseum.ca/eng/?page_id=4811
  30. ↑ http://www.gmam.ca/arcturus.html
  31. ↑ https://comoxairforcemuseum.ca/wp-content/uploads/Guide-to-the-Aircraft-of-CAFM-Heritage-Air-Park.pdf
  32. ↑ Taylor, John W.R., ed. (1981). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1981-82 (72nd ed.). London: Jane's Publishing Co. pp. 390–393. ISBN   978-0710607294.
Bibliography
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.