Boeing introduces new maritime surveillance aircraft

Boeing has introduced Maritime Surveillance Aircraft (MSA), a new medium-sized Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform.

Based on P-8, Airborne Warning and Control System, and Airborne Early Warning and Control technologies, the MSA is a highly capable, low-risk and cost-effective ISR solution that meets international customers’ maritime surveillance requirements.

Boeing Surveillance and Engagement vice president and general manager Tim Peters said, "We’ve selected a preferred aircraft and are in discussions with a manufacturer about supplying and modifying their aircraft."

"We hope to have an announcement on that element by the end of this year," Peters added.

Featuring sensor capabilities in radar, electro-optics, and electronic warfare in open-architecture design, the MSA will support missions which include anti-piracy, immigration patrols, economic exclusion zone enforcement, coastal and border security, and long range search and rescue.

"The Boeing Maritime Surveillance Aircraft showcases how Boeing is meeting customers’ current and future needs by migrating advanced, mature technologies from one program into adjacent markets, even with non-Boeing platforms." Peters said.

"MSA brings everything we’ve learned about commercial derivative programs to another tier of the international marketplace."

Over the next 10 years, the maritime surveillance market is expected to be worth more than $10bn, according to the research made by Boeing, which has 60 years of experience in providing maritime surveillance solutions.