The CP-140A is basically an Aurora without the antisubmarine-warfare-related systems. As such, it was seen as valuable for crew training duties, general maritime reconnaissance regarding surface vessels (counter-drug operations, detecting smuggling of illegal immigrants, fisheries protection patrols, pollution monitoring, etc.), search-and-rescue assistance, and Arctic sovereignty patrols. Three CP-140A aircraft – which were, in fact, the final three P-3 Orion airframes manufactured on Lockheed’s California-plant assembly line – were ordered in 1991.

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The Arcturus Aircraft were procured to augment the CP-140 Aurora fleet in supporting DND and other government departments in roles including: marine surface surveillance, Search and Rescue, drug interdiction,and pilot training. In essence the Arcturus will be assigned all the roles of the Aurora, except that of anti-submarine warfare (ASW). CF Photo