Why not buy updated versions of the P-3? I can't see any advantage in using jets to patrol for submarines.
Especially a two-engine jobby..... There has to be a technical advantage of some sort. I know that the later 737 models are pretty efficient, and they can easily operate on one engine, so I'm guessing they either got the Navy to buy off on reduced mission duration, or showed a cost advantage (more planes but lower out-year costs), or they've been able to achieve a good mission duration.
It'd be interesting to see how the Navy handled that part of the bid.
> Why not buy updated versions of the P-3?
That's what the P-5 was supposed to be.
Entire program flopped.
"I can't see any advantage in using jets to patrol for submarines."
I don't know...the Brits have had pretty good success with the Nimrod.