The Boeing P-8 Poseidon is a multifunctional aircraft that was introduced into the U.S. Military in November 2013.
Replacing the P-3 Orion, the Poseidon is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft.
Developed from the commercial Boeing 737NG series, the P-8 truly shines in its unrivaled surveillance capabilities. It was for this reason that the U.S. used Poseidons to help in the search for the missing Malaysia MH370 flight.
The P-8 Poseidon's effective ability to search relies upon multiple sensors in a top-down approach. Searches start with radar and then shift to the plane's advanced optics that can zoom down to the surface of the waves.
When the Poseidon discovers a possible target, the plane can drop as low as 300 feet. At that altitude, the plane's radar and cameras can scan for 16 miles on either side.
Much of the plane's surveillance capabilities come from the AN/APY-10 radar installed in its enlarged nose. This radar allows for the capability of imaging, detection, classification, and identification of ships, small vessels, and submarines.
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