Q&A · 1:30:11-1:30:29

A shared jet-MPA assumption misled Britain and America

Britain expected the P-3 to be a short-lived bridge because the US Navy itself forecast an early jet maritime-patrol replacement.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Hawker Siddeley Nimrod Lockheed P-3 Orion Maritime Patrol Aircraft Royal Air Force US Navy

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Question

Why did Britain think the US Navy would replace the P-3 Orion by about 1970?

Short answer

Because the US Navy also expected an early jet replacement and communicated that assumption to Britain.

Notes

The British judgment did not arise in isolation. American planning also presented Orion as a stopgap before a 707-class jet conversion. Britain accepted that forecast while pursuing the specialized jet Nimrod concept. Both sides underestimated how durable the P-3 would become and how long a practical jet successor would take.