Lockheed flight crews board RAAF P-3C Orion
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Pilot signals engines turn-over
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Taxi out
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Takeoff
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Flight
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Initials


ATTN FSE: THIS LOCKHEED HANDOUT FOR POSSIBLE OZLAND DSF INTEREST. PLS KEEP. FILMED ON JAN 13TH BURBANK, CALIFORNIA. DOPE SHIPPED WITH FILM.

Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: BURBANK, Calif., Jan. 13 -- The red, white and blue flag and the familiar kangaroo mark this aircraft on the flight line at Lockheed's California factories as destined for delivery to the Royal Australian Air Force.

It is the first of ten advanced antisubmarine airplanes called P-3Cs, later versions of the P-3B Orions flying with the RAAF since 1968. At the controls for first flight is Lockheed's chief pilot for military flying, John Christiansen.

The "C" version of the Orion was the first operational aircraft to integrate its sensors and equipment -- the avionics, communication, navigation, and weapons systems -- through an on-board data processing system. New avionics technology will be incorporated in the Orions for Australia.

Australia will become the first country outside the United States to fly the P-3C. Another advanced version of the Orion, called the Aurora, is in production for Canada. The Japanese Defense Force has recommended the P-3C for its Maritime Self-Defense Force. And the plane currently is competing for a maritime patrol and antisubmarine warfare role in The Netherlands.