I'd have to be honest; while I've been on/in a USN P-8 before, I didn't see her in action so can't comment with any knowledge on the aircraft mission caps/lims. I heard some neat things about their radar, I heard some things about bugs they are working out (nothing surprising, new fleet and all). I heard its a gas pig down low compared to turbo-prop, but...there are arguments on both sides of that. Quicker to get ONSTA, but not able to remain ONSTA...either way, you have a max weight for what you can carry in your fuel tanks.
And...if I did know any of the caps and lims compared to the Aurora...I wouldn't be able to say on here anyways.
I've done ops and exercises with them but they keep their hand close to their chest. I'd have to bow to the front enders (pilots, fight engineers) to speak with knowledge on airframe and engine stuff.
Having said that...with newer aircraft, I'd expect better serviceability rates on the airframe, engines etc. But...they aren't replacing 1 for 1 with the Orion fleet so...less airframes on the ramp to start off with.
P-8 stuff: http://www.boeing.com/defense/maritime-surveillance/p-8-poseidon/index.page#/facts and http://www.naval-technology.com/projects/mma/
P-8 Quick Facts
- For the P-8, Boeing uses a first-in-industry in-line production system that leverages the best of Boeing Commercial and Boeing Defense for development and production.
- The P-8 can fly
up to 41,000 feet and travel up to 490 knots.
- P-8 offers higher reliability – the 737 has a 99.8 percent dispatch rate, with more than 4,000 aircraft flying, and 6,600+ orders.
- The P-8 is engineered for 25 years/25,000 hours in the harshest maritime flight regimes, including extended operations in icing environments.
- The P-8 can fly in all flight regimes, and can self-deploy up to
4,500 miles from base without refueling.
- Dual CFM-56B commercial engines each provide 27,000 pounds of thrust, greatly enhancing climb and flight characteristics over turboprop equipped aircraft.
(I don't buy this down low and slow where most ASW is likely to happen...but they appear to be spending money on GPS search and kills stores to negate the low/slow time)
- Each engine is equipped with a 180KVA engine driven generator. Combined with the 90KVA commercial APU, this provides 450KVA of power. P-8 possesses significant growth capacity for equipment with excess onboard power and cooling capacity.
- P-8 has twice the sonobuoy processing capability and can carry 30 percent more sonobuoys than any maritime patrol and reconnaissance aircraft currently flying.
(AFIAK, they have the same acoustic suite as the modernized Aurora)
- P-8 has the ability to control unmanned air vehicles (level 2 control-receive) to extend sensor reach.
- P-8 offers commonality with 737 fleet and other military platforms that use the 737 airframe.
Block 3 Aurora stuff: http://www.rcaf-arc.forces.gc.ca/en/aircraft-current/cp-140.page
Maximum speed 750 kilometres per hour (405 knots)
Range 7,400 kilometres
Endurance 12 hours, with routine planning of 10 to 11 hours. The Aurora has, however, remained airborne for up to 17 hours
I notice its hard to find any info on endurance for the P-8 but...in general I'd say they can be quicker to get to a spot, but can't hang out there as long.