Editing Lockheed CP-140 Aurora (section)

==Design and development==
The CP-140 Aurora is very similar externally to the Lockheed P-3C Orion (Canadian ESM wingtip pods instead of the American ESM wing pod), but is different internally, using two sets of mission systems that were first installed in yet another Lockheed anti-submarine warfare aircraft, the carrier-based S-3A Viking. The aircraft's sensors are primarily intended for [[anti-submarine warfare]] (ASW) work but are also capable of maritime surveillance, counter-drug and search-and-rescue missions. The CP-140 is Canada's only strategic Intelligence Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) aircraft, conducting long range missions over land, water and [[littoral]] areas. These missions are flown in support of [[Canadian Joint Operations Command]], the [[Royal Canadian Mounted Police|RCMP]], and several other federal government departments.

In 1991, [[Lockheed Corporation|Lockheed]] shut down its production lines in [[Burbank, California]], for the P-3 Orion, which shares the same airframe with the CP-140. Three surplus airframes on hand were purchased by the Air Command, but delivered without the anti-submarine fit. These three aircraft were designated the '''CP-140A Arcturus''' and were used primarily for pilot training and coastal surface patrol missions.<ref>[http://www.rcaf.com/Aircraft/aircraftDetail.php?AURORA-159 "Lockheed CP-140 Aurora."] ''rcaf.com.'' Retrieved: 30 June 2011.</ref>

===Aurora Incremental Modernization Project===
[[File:Lockheed CP-140 Aurora, Canada - Air Force AN0618827.jpg|thumb|CP-140 Aurora 140105 departing from [[London International Airport]] near [[London, Ontario]], in 2004]]
 
The Aurora Incremental Modernization Project (AIMP), initiated in 1998 to upgrade electronics of the Aurora fleet was halted by the government on 20 September 2007 to evaluate whether the aging fleet should continue to be upgraded or replaced by more modern aircraft.<ref>[https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa-halts-1-6b-upgrade-of-patrol-aircraft-1.677693 "Ottawa halts $1.6B upgrade of patrol aircraft."] ''CBC.ca.'' Retrieved: 18 August 2010.</ref> On 18 December 2007 the [[Department of National Defence (Canada)|Department of National Defence]] rescinded this work suspension so that the project could continue. Work includes upgrading computer, navigation, communication and radar systems as well as making structural improvements to ten of eighteen aircraft. The intent of the modernization project is to "keep the aircraft safe and operationally viable until 2020".<ref>[http://naval.review.cfps.dal.ca/forum/view.php?topic=38 "CP-140 Aurora Modernization."] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090113222407/http://naval.review.cfps.dal.ca/forum/view.php?topic=38 |date=2009-01-13 }} ''Canadian Naval Review.'' Retrieved: 18 August 2010.</ref>

AIMP is currently divided into four "blocks". Block I is complete and concentrated on the replacement of unsupportable systems. Block II brought a glass cockpit with the Navigation and Flight Instruments (NFI) component provided by [[CMC Electronics]],<ref>[http://www.ic.gc.ca/eic/site/ad-ad.nsf/eng/ad03883.html "Current Major Crown Projects."] ''ic.gc.ca.'' Retrieved: 18 August 2010.</ref> and a complete replacement of the communications suite. Block III is a wholesale replacement of the aircraft's sensors and mission computer. Block IV consists of a large Wideband Global SATCOM radome on the upper fuselage, [[Directional Infrared Counter Measures|Directed Infrared Counter Measures]] system, Tactical Data Link 16 system, and a new anti-collision light on top of the vertical stabilizer.<ref>[https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/maple-leaf/defence/2021/11/cp-140-block-technical-airworthiness-certification.html "CP-140 Block IV moves one step closer to Technical Airworthiness certification"] ''canada.ca.'' Retrieved: 19 March 2025.</ref> Block IV reached Full Operational Capability in the summer of 2024.<ref>[https://www.canada.ca/en/department-national-defence/services/procurement/cp-140-aurora.html "CP-140 Aurora fleet modernization and life extension"] ''canada.ca.'' Retrieved: 19 March 2025.</ref>

Once AIMP was completed the CP-140 was designated as CP-140M.

===Aurora Structural Life Extension Program===
The Aurora Structural Life Extension Project (ASLEP) is proceeding with 14 of the 18 Auroras scheduled to receive new wings and the replacement of key structural components. The complete ASLEP solution replaces the aircraft's outer wings, centre wing lower section and horizontal stabilizers with new production components. All fatigue-life limiting structures on the aircraft are replaced with enhanced-design components and improved corrosion-resistant materials that will greatly reduce maintenance costs over the aircraft's service life. This program is expected to extend the CP140s' service life by 15,000 flight hours per airframe.<ref>[http://www.casr.ca/doc-acan-aurora-aslep.htm "Aurora."] ''casr.ca.'' Retrieved: 18 August 2010.</ref>