Academy P-3C Orion 1/144 Scale Model Kit
The Academy 1/144 scale P-3C Orion recreates the four-engined maritime patrol and anti-submarine warfare aircraft operated by the US Navy and other air forces around the world. This new-tool plastic model kit includes an internal weapons bay that can be assembled open or closed, a spray mask and three marking options covering American and Australian aircraft.
Developed by Lockheed from the L-188 Electra airliner, the P-3 Orion entered US Navy service in 1962, with the improved P-3C variant following in 1969. It became one of the Navy’s principal maritime patrol aircraft during the Cold War, combining long endurance with specialised equipment for detecting, tracking and engaging submarines.
About the P-3C Orion
Powered by four Allison T56 turboprop engines, the Orion was designed for extended patrols over large areas of ocean. Its equipment included maritime surveillance radar, acoustic processing systems and a distinctive tail-mounted Magnetic Anomaly Detector (MAD) boom, used to help locate submarines beneath the surface.
The aircraft could carry anti-submarine torpedoes and anti-ship missiles, giving it both surveillance and offensive capabilities. Successive upgrades to its avionics, sensors and weapons systems extended the P-3C’s operational service well beyond the Cold War.
More than 750 P-3 Orions were produced, with the type serving in naval and air force operations internationally. Although many operators have since transitioned to the Boeing P-8 Poseidon, the Orion remains an important aircraft in the history of maritime patrol aviation.
Kit Features
Academy’s 1/144 scale kit represents the P-3C Orion with a choice of weapons bay configurations and markings for three individual aircraft.
- 1/144 scale P-3C Orion plastic model kit.
- New-tool Academy release.
- Internal weapons bay can be assembled open or closed.
- Three marking options for US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force aircraft.
- Spray mask included.
Marking Options
Three aircraft are represented, including two US Navy examples from VP-40 “Fighting Marlins” and one Royal Australian Air Force aircraft.
- US Navy VP-40 “Fighting Marlins”: P-3C Orion serial number 161763, NAS Moffett, 1988.
- US Navy VP-40 “Fighting Marlins”: P-3C Orion serial number 161765, NAS Moffett, 1988.
- Royal Australian Air Force 10 Squadron: P-3C Orion serial number 160753.
VP-40 was the final active-duty US Navy squadron to retire the P-3C Orion, making these marking options particularly relevant to the aircraft’s operational history.
Assembly and Finishing
This is a 1/144 scale plastic model kit requiring assembly, paint and glue. The internal weapons bay can be displayed open or closed, so you can present the finished model in either configuration.
Manufacturer: Academy
Scale: 1/144
Aircraft: Lockheed P-3C Orion
Product code: 12653
Paint and glue: Required
