Lockheed CP-140 Aurora

Lockheed Corporation · United States · first flew 1979 · transport aircraft

The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora is the Canadian Armed Forces' maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft, derived from the P-3 Orion airframe mated with the avionics suite of the S-3 Viking. It first flew in 1979 and has been Canada's primary long-range maritime patrol platform ever since.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, swept
E — Engines	4 × turboprop, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	Long fuselage with extensive belly sensor suite
T — Tail	Conventional

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Canadian maritime patrol derivative of the P-3 Orion
Long fuselage with extensive belly sensor suite
Four Allison T56 turboprops

Visually identical to the P-3 Orion: low-wing four-turboprop monoplane with a distinctive MAD boom extending from the tail and a large unpressurised weapon bay beneath the forward fuselage.

Specifications

The Lockheed CP-140 Aurora has a length of 35.61 m (117 ft).
It has a wingspan of 30.38 m (100 ft).
Typical crew: 11.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Canada selected the Aurora to replace the Argus, specifying P-3C airframes equipped with more advanced S-3 Viking sensors and mission systems. Eighteen aircraft were delivered between 1980 and 1981. A mid-life upgrade program in the 2000s and 2010s modernized avionics and extended service life well into the 21st century.

Variants

Three CP-140A Arcturus aircraft were delivered as unarmed training variants lacking the full ASW suite; these have since been retired. The main fleet remains the CP-140 Aurora.

Where you'll see it

Operated exclusively by the Royal Canadian Air Force, primarily from CFB Greenwood and CFB Comox. Not operated by the UK or other nations.

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