Neptune’s Trident

The Boeing 737-based P8 Poseidon, built for the United States Navy, is a multi-role Military aircraft intended primarily for anti-submarine and anti-surface warfare. It’s main applications involve surveillance and interception over large bodies of water – hence the name. The Indian Navy purchased several of these aircraft – which differ in minor ways from the U.S. Navy version – in 2009. While the U.S. version is called “Poseidon,” the Indian version is called “Neptune.” This Neptune is seen in test flight phase, with mock AGM-84D “Harpoon” missiles under the wings for aerodynamic testing.

Both the Neptune and Poseidon are painted in a blue-gray scheme – the red effect is due to the low winter sunset light.