BAE Systems has been awarded a low-rate initial production contract by Boeing to provide mission computer systems for six P-8A Poseidon aircraft.

The mission computer system is a flexible ruggedised processing platform that ensures interoperability in the future battle space and influences the operation and deployment of US Navy maritime patrol and reconnaissance forces.

The Boeing-built P-8A Poseidon is a long-range anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance aircraft used by the US Navy.

The navy is planning to purchase 117 P-8A aircraft to replace its P-3 fleet with initial operational capability planned for 2013.

Work will be carried out at the company’s facility in Greenlawn, New York, US, and is expected to be completed in 2012.