The Lockheed P-3 Orion stands as the premier maritime patrol aircraft of the Cold War era, serving as the backbone of anti-submarine warfare operations for over five decades. First flown in 1959, it was a low-wing turboprop aircraft adapted from the civilian Electra airliner, featuring four Allison T56 engines and specialized maritime patrol equipment. With a wingspan of 99 feet and length of 116 feet, the P-3 could remain airborne for up to 16 hours on extended patrol missions. It was manufactured by the Lockheed Corporation.
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