The Lockheed P-3 Orion was an anti-submarine and maritime surveillance aircraft designed and built for the United States Navy. I was also put into service with many allied air forces including the Royal Australian Air Force.

When, in 1957, the US Navy called for a replacement for its Neptune anti-submarine aircraft Lockheed suggested a version of their new L-188 Electra turboprop airliner.

For its new role the aircraft was modified with a shorter fuselage, a bomb bay, MAD boom tail extension and operational equipment in the large fuselage.

The first P-3 airframe flew on 19 August 1958 and fully equipped aircraft began entering service with the US Navy in April 1961.

The Royal Australian Air Force took delivery of its first P-3s in 1968.

This model represents a Lockheed P-3C in service with 10 Squadron, RAAF, in 1984.

LS 1/144 kit with Aussie Decals decals.