Boeing [NYSE: BA] joined the wing assembly and fuselage of the first P-8A Poseidon for the U.S. Navy on May 1 in Renton, Wash. Boeing Integrated Defense Systems (IDS) and Boeing Commercial Airplanes (BCA) are working together to build the P-8A, a Military derivative of the 737-800, on a new final assembly line. The factory's third line takes advantage of the proven efficiencies, manufacturing processes and performance of the highly reliable Next-Generation 737.

The next major P-8A assembly milestone will be engine installation this summer. The Boeing-led Poseidon industry team remains on track for delivery of the first test aircraft to the Navy in 2009. Under the current System Development and Demonstration contract, the team will build five test vehicles: three flight-test and two ground-test aircraft.

The Navy plans to purchase 108 P-8As to replace its fleet of P-3C aircraft. Initial operational capability is slated for 2013. The P-8A will provide increased capability in long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance.