Boeing Receives $11.4M Contract to Fix P-8A Autopilot Issues
Boeing has received an $11.4 million contract to develop and deliver updated flight control software for the P-8A Poseidon, a maritime patrol aircraft used by the U.S. Navy and several allied air forces.
The current software build has accumulated enough real-world flight testing data to reveal patterns worth fixing in a coordinated update rather than through piecemeal patches.
The issues with the autopilot system include altitude acquire problems, where the aircraft struggles to hold its target altitude; speed exceedance malfunctions, where the system allows the aircraft to exceed its maximum certified operating speed; and slow auto throttle response, where the engines fail to adjust power quickly enough.
Work on the software update will take place at Boeing's facility in Tukwila, Washington, with completion expected by February 2028. The P-8A Poseidon has become one of the most widely used maritime patrol aircraft among American allies since its development, carrying a range of sensors and weapons for detecting and attacking submarines and surface vessels.