Custom P-3A Aerostar N920AU

2022 has been a stellar year for PlaneTags releases so it’s only fitting that we end with an incredible aircraft, a plane that collectors ask about all the time. The Lockheed P-3 Orion has been in service for 60 years, proven to be reliable and versatile in multiple missions in countries all over the globe. Meet N920AU, also known as P.3-06, BuNo 150513, and Tanker 20, a Lockheed P-3A Orion Aerostar.

Here's the rest of the story P-3 Orion: Mission Ready For Over Sixty Years

The Lockheed P-3 Orion is a land-based, long range, four-engined turboprop aircraft developed for anti-submarine warfare, for the U.S. Navy during the 1960s. Based on Lockheed’s commercial airliner the L-188 Electra, it was modified with an extended tail boom equipped with submarine detecting MAD, as well as a bomb bay and wing pylons to support a variety of armament. The P-3 went through several developments, including improvements to its engine mounts and wings for safety, and an extension program to replace all fatigue-life-limiting structures with new materials to extend its years. Although production ended in 1990, the P-3 has continued to evolve and remains mission ready today. 

This P-3, c/n 185-5039 (150513), was built in 1963 and delivered to the U.S. Navy. It served with VP-68, a Patrol Squadron of the U.S. Navy Reserve for training and operational missions in support of fleet operations in the Atlantic, Mediterranean, Caribbean Seas, and the Gulf of Mexico. In 1979, it went to the Spanish Air Force for several years, before returning to the U.S. Registered as N920AU in 2001, it was one of a handful of P-3s converted to the Aerostart variant of aerial fire bombers for Aero Union Corporation. After Aero Union’s doors were closed in 2011, N920AU was scrapped. Its front fuselage landed at United Aeronautical Corporation, where it remained for almost a decade. MotoArt acquired what remained of it in 2022 for PlaneTags.

Lockheed calls the P-3 Orion the “World Standard in Maritime Patrol Aircraft”. Don’t miss adding one to your PlaneTags collection. Order your Lockheed P-3A Orion Aerostar PlaneTags today.

P-3A AEROSTAR - # N920AU

Characteristics:

• Manufacturer: LOCKHEED MARTIN.
• Tail #: N920AU
• Crew: 3
• Wing Span: 99 ft 8 in
• Length: 116 ft 8 in
  
• Height: 33 ft 8 in
  
• Armament: 33 ft 8 in
  

Performance:

• Range: 1,346 nm
• Cruise Speed: 330 knots
  
• Ceiling: 28,300 ft
• Empty Weight: 61,491 lb
• Max Takeoff Weight: 125,500 lb
• Rate of Climb: 1,968 ft / minute
• Engine: 4x T56-A-10w Allison Turbo Props

LOCKHEED MARTIN®, associated emblems and logos, and body designs of vehicles are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Lockheed Martin Corporation in the USA and/or other jurisdictions, used under license by MotoArt PlaneTags LLC.

Perfect Aviation Gift

PlaneTags are: 

• Authentic - made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. 
• Unique -  each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. 
• Collectible - each one is numbered in a limited edition and comes attached to a display card. 
  
• Versatile - comes with a durable metal ring, strong enough to attach to luggage or keys or display.

*Important Notice – Please Read Carefully

PlaneTags are made from actual retired aircraft fuselage, not merely stamped metal. Because PlaneTags are made from real fuselage, each PlaneTag bears the color, thickness, and wear and tear from the portion of the fuselage from which it was cut and it is therefore rare to create two identical PlaneTags. These variations and imperfections are not product flaws. They are part of the beauty of PlaneTags. As a result, you will not have an option to select the color of your PlaneTag. The images on this website are provided for reference only and should not be used as the sole basis for choosing a particular PlaneTag.