@Rky Mtn ST :
Wow, Wow, Wow!!! This is like a Christmas present!
The P-3 Orion series includes main variants like the
P-3A, P-3B, and P-3C, with the P-3C undergoing major "Update" upgrades (Update I, II, III) for digital systems. Key specialized versions feature designations like
EP-3E (Electronic Reconnaissance), WP-3D (Weather Reconnaissance for NOAA), and AP-3C (Australian variants), all evolving from the core design for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) into multi-mission platforms for surveillance, patrol, and scientific research. This workhorse series has now been replaced by the more modern/technical P8 Poseidon Aircraft
My time with VP-17 off the Coast of VietNam in 1972 was in the P-3A's.