Fourth RAF Poseidon MRA1 named and (almost) delivered

The RAF has purchased nine Boeing P-8A Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft. Three aircraft have already been delivered and number four is currently on its way to RAF Lossiemouth.

Similar to the other aircraft, also this example has received an official name. Aircraft ZP804 has been named "Spirit of Reykjavik". This in honour of Iceland being the home of 120 squadron during the WW2.

In the battle for the North Atlantic, RAF Coastal Command stationed aircraft in the north of Great Britain and in Iceland to patrol the gap between these countries, hunting for German U-boats which were making their way onto the Atlantic to intercept the vital supply convoys from the United States.

On 2 November 2020, ZP804/04 left Boeing Field at Seattle (WA) and made its way to NAS Patuxent River (MD) where it stopped for the night. According to the RAF Lossiemouth twitter account, the aircraft is expected to continue its journey today (3 November 2020), and will arrive late in the day at its new home.

Known details of the RAF Poseidon fleet are as follows. All are (or will be) used by 54 Squadron and 120 Squadron:

Poseidon MRA1

ZP801                   64175/7532          Pride of Moray                                

ZP802                   64176/7642          City of Elgin                                   

ZP803                   65752/8065          S/L Terence Bulloch DSO DFC      

ZP804                   65753/8103          Spirit of Reykjavik                          

ZP805                   65754/8257          Fulmar               d/d in 2021          

ZP806                   to be delivered in 2021                                           

ZP807                   to be delivered in 2021                                           

ZP808                   to be delivered in 2021                                           

ZP809                   to be delivered in 2022                                           

Photo: RAF Lossiemouth