USN P-8A Poseidon

Academy, 1/144 scale

Reviewed by Brett Green

The P-8A Poseidon, developed by Boeing from the 737-800 platform, entered service with the US Navy in 2013 as a replacement for the P-3 Orion. Its primary missions include anti-submarine warfare (ASW), anti-surface warfare (ASuW), and intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR). The aircraft is equipped with advanced sensors, including the AN/APS-137 radar, acoustic sensors, and the Multi-Static Active Coherent (MAC) system, enabling it to detect and track submarines and surface vessels over vast ocean areas.

In 2016, the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) became the first international operator of the P-8A, acquiring eight aircraft to replace its AP-3C Orion fleet. The RAAF's P-8As are based at RAAF Base Edinburgh in South Australia and are integral to Australia's maritime surveillance capabilities, participating in operations such as Operation ARGOS, which focuses on border protection and maritime security.

RAAF Poseidons have also been involved in several high-profile encounters in contested regions. In February 2022, an RAAF P-8A was illuminated by a laser from a Chinese Luyang-class destroyer during a routine surveillance flight over Australia's northern approaches. Later that year, in May, a Chinese J-16 fighter conducted a dangerous intercept of a RAAF P-8A over the South China Sea, releasing chaff that was ingested by the aircraft's engines

These incidents highlight the P-8A’s role in maintaining maritime security amid rising tensions in the Indo-Pacific region.

P-8A Poseidon In Scale

Until recently, there have only been three P-8A Poseidon kits available across all scales. These are:

• BPK 1/72 P-8A Poseidon: This is a highly-detail kit from Big Planes Kits (BPK) in 1/72 scale. A single version, Kit No. 7222, was released 2022.  Features include photo-etched/resin parts and multiple decal options.

• Skymarks / Daron 1/130 P-8A Poseidon: Skymarks / Daron’s1/130 is a less common scale. More for collectors than heavy builders given the niche scale.

• Gemini 1/200 RAF P-8 Poseidon MRA1: This is a 1/200 scale kit, suitable for display or desk-model use. It is a smaller scale with less detail than the major builds.

Academy has recently released the first 1/144 scale model of the P-8A Poseidon. This is an all-new tooling for the Boeing P-8A based upon the 737-800 commercial airliner.

Academy’s 1/144 scale P-8A Poseidon comprises 75 parts in grey plastic and three parts in clear, decals offering US Navy and Royal Australian Air Force markings.

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Thumbnail panels:

Despite its small scale, the model is a decent size – 274 mm fuselage length (10.78 inches) and 261 mm wing span (10.27 inches).

The model is broken down into two full-length fuselage halves, a set of wings made up from seven parts and smaller sub-assemblies.

Panel lines are subtly and crisply recessed.

Detail is good, with engine intake and exhausts nicely done.

A busy stores bay is included with the option of the bay doors being open or closed.

Ordnance includes Mark 46 torpedoes for the weapons bay and Harpoon anti-ship missiles under the wings.

On the other hand, the cockpit detail is somewhat basic, although I am not too worried in this relatively small scale. Expect a simple tub rather than rich detail in the front office.

Be mindful of nose-weight for this nose-sitter. Academy recommends 6 grams in the forward fuselage but I will be adding more than that.  

The landing gear may be posed retracted or lowered.

Tiny antenna parts and pylons will require careful handling — not unreasonable for 1/144 scale.

Decals are printed by Cartograf.

They are thin, well-printed, and colours look good.

One of the options is US Navy and the second is RAAF.

The package is rounded out with a set of self-adhesive die-cut Ronin Graphics paper masks.

Academy has delivered a solid, well-executed kit of the P-8A Poseidon in a scale that will hit the sweet spot for many builders. The mix of detail, options, and manageable size means you won’t need to run for aftermarket upgrades unless you’re a die-hard detailer.

If you have an interest in modern maritime patrol aircraft — or simply a desire to build something different from the usual fighters and bombers — Academy's 1/144 P-8A Poseidon might just fit the bill.

Highly Recommended.

Purchased by the Reviewer

Text and Images Copyright © 2025 by Brett Green
Page Created 6 November, 2025
Last updated 6 November, 2025

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