CP-140 Aurora

The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a Canadian Forces Air Command maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking. In Greek mythology, Aurora is the Greek goddess who restored Orion's eyesight, and also the Aurora Borealis are the "northern lights" that are prominent over northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean. The CP-140A Arcturus is a related variant used prima... more

The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is a Canadian Forces Air Command maritime patrol aircraft (MPA). The aircraft is based on the Lockheed P-3 Orion airframe, but mounts the electronics suite of the S-3 Viking. In Greek mythology, Aurora is the Greek goddess who restored Orion's eyesight, and also the Aurora Borealis are the "northern lights" that are prominent over northern Canada and the Arctic Ocean. The CP-140A Arcturus is a related variant used primarily for pilot training and coastal surface patrol missions. The CP-140 Aurora is virtually identical externally to the Lockheed P-3C Orion predecessor, but is different internally, using computer systems that were first installed in yet another Lockheed anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the carrier-based S-3A Viking. The aircraft's sensors are primarily intended for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) work but are also capable of maritime surveillance, counter-drug and search-and-rescue missions. The CP-140 is Canada's only strategic Intelligence... less