The P-3C Orion aircraft, known as UIP (ex 3297 "Viking" ), comes from the former Royal Norwegian Air Force and is currently at the 309th Aerospace Maintenance and Regeneration Group ( AMARG ) in Tucson , Arizona , awaiting transfer to Argentina .
It is a long-distance patrol vessel designed specifically for maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare ( ASW ) missions .
This model is part of a set of acquisitions that includes three C version aircraft , each with an average potential of 17,000 flight hours , ensuring a significant operating margin for at least 15 years .
In addition, the purchase includes a fourth aircraft of the N version, primarily oriented to search and rescue ( SAR ) tasks .
Once the P-3C UIP is transferred, it will be sent to the MHD-ROCKLAND facilities at Keystone Heights Airport, Florida , where the necessary work will be carried out to put it into service . This process includes the technical review and the necessary modifications to ensure that the aircraft is operational and can be integrated into the fleet of the Naval Exploration Squadron (EA6E) of the Naval Aviation Command , based in Almirante Zar , Trelew .
The ship's arrival in Argentina is scheduled to take place in several stages . After completion of the work in Florida , it will be flown to the country , where it will be incorporated into the active service of the naval fleet.
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