This Aircraft From the 1960s Still Sees Everyday Use by the US Navy

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24/7 Wall St. Insights

• The P-3 Orion is one of the longest-serving aircraft in the U.S. Navy, dating back to the 1960s.
• It is based on Lockheed’s Electra commercial airliner but was repurposed by the Navy for anti-submarine warfare.
• Newer aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon play similar roles to the Orion
• Also: Dividend legends to hold forever .

Designed in the late 1950s and introduced in the 1960s, the P-3 Orion is one of the oldest aircraft currently in service of the U.S. Navy. It has not only stood the test of time, more than half a century, but also continues to be an important asset for the most powerful navy on Earth. ( These are the U.S. Air Force's oldest aircraft. )

The P-3 Orion draws its origins from Lockheed’s Electra commercial airliner. However, the U.S. Navy would repurpose this aircraft for maritime surveillance and anti-submarine warfare.

Over the decades, the Orion has undergone a number of upgrades to keep its avionics, engines, and weapons systems up to date. It is powered by four Allison T56-A-14 turboprop engines, which output just under 5,000 horsepower and allow for a top speed around 470 mph.

Within the Navy, the P-3 plays a few different roles. Primarily, it serves in conducting anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare missions, but it is not limited to just combat roles. It also conducts patrols, reconnaissance, and surveillance operations as well.

Although newer aircraft like the P-8 Poseidon perform similar roles, the P-3 Orion continues to be a workhorse for the U.S. Navy. It is one of a few aircraft from the 1960s that is still in service with the Navy to this day. 24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at the Navy’s arsenal and what other aircraft it has to offer. ( Everything you need to know about military stealth technology. )

To identify the oldest aircraft flown by the U.S. Navy, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed data from the 2024 World Air Forces report from FlightGlobal, an aviation and aerospace industry website, and ranked the aircraft chronologically. Additionally, we’ve included supplemental information on the type of aircraft, how many are in active service, top speed and armament. We have excluded all trainer aircraft.

Here is a look at the oldest aircraft in the U.S. Navy: Why Are We Covering This?

24/7 would like our readers to understand where their tax dollars are being spent. The Navy received $202.6 billion in government funding in 2024, second only to the Air Force at $216.1. billion. In fiscal year 2025, the Navy has requested $16.6 billion of its funding to purchase 75 aircraft and helicopters, which is actually slightly less than in 2024.

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