THE MIGHTY HUNTER: P-3 ORION

Australia became an early export customer of the Lockheed P-3 Orion in the 1960s. The airframe was based on the company’s turboprop Electra and designed as a dedicated Anti Submarine Warfare (ASW) platform. 11 SQN RAAF began replacing the ageing Neptunes in 1968 with ten P-3B model aircraft including A9-291. In 1978 P-3C versions were acquired and these airframes were subsequently upgraded to AP-3C standard during the early 2000s. The frontline Orion fleet was operated by 10 and 11 SQNs from Edinburgh, South Australia under the control of 92 Wing RAAF, with 292 and 492 SQNs providing training and maintenance support. Phasing out began in 2019 although 10 SQN RAAF continued operating two aircraft converted to AP-3C (EW) standard following a change of role and shift to 42 Wing. “The Mighty Hunter” pays tribute to the Lockheed P-3 and legend of Orion, a great hunter from Greek and Roman mythology also immortalised in a celestial constellation of the same name. During 55 years of service the P-3B, P-3C, AP-3C, AP-3C (EW) and TAP-3B Orion evolved into a proven hunter and multi-task aircraft providing maritime operational support.

✅ Hand signed and numbered by Drew Harrison, with a Certificate of Authenticity included!

✨ Archival inks on High Quality Photo Rag paper.

*Print on demand product. Please allow 2 to 3 weeks for delivery.*