Lockheed EP-3
The Lockheed EP-3 is the signals reconnaissance version of the P-3 Orion, operated by the United States Navy.
| Role | Signals Intelligence (SIGINT) |
|---|---|
| National origin | United States |
| Manufacturer | Lockheed |
| Status | Active |
| Primary users | United States Navy Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force |
| Developed from | P-3 Orion |
A total of 12 P-3C aircraft were converted to replace older versions of the aircraft, which had been converted in the late 1960s and early 1970s. The aircraft are known by the acronym ARIES, or "Airborne Reconnaissance Integrated Electronic System".
The squadrons that flew the EP-3E also flew the Lockheed EC-121 Warning Star from 1962 to 1974 and the Douglas EA-3B Skywarrior from 1960 to 1991. There are 11 EP-3Es in the Navy's inventory, the last of which was delivered in 1997.
Specifications (EP-3)
General characteristics
- Crew: 22+
- Length: 116 ft 7 in (35.57 m)
- Wingspan: 99 ft 6 in (30.36 m)
- Height: 33 ft 7 in (10.27 m)
- Wing area: 1300 ft² (120.8 m²)
- Airfoil: NACA 0014-1.10 (Root) - NACA 0012-1.10 (Tip)
- Empty weight: 77,200 lb (35,000 kg)
- Loaded weight: 135,000 lb (61,400 kg)
- Useful load: 57,800 lb (26,400 kg)
- Max. takeoff weight: 142,000 lb (64,400 kg)
- Powerplant: 4 × Allison T56-A-14 turboprop, 4,600 shp (3,450 kW) each
-
Propellers: Four-bladed Hamilton Standard propeller, 1 per engine
- Propeller diameter: 13 ft 6 in (4.11 m)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 780 km/h (420 knots, 485 mph)
- Cruise speed: 650 km/h (350 knots, 405 mph)
- Range: 2,380 nm (2,739 mi / 4,400 km)
- Service ceiling: 30,000 feet (9,150 m)
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