An open, applications-based electronics architecture to allow rapid use of new capabilities on P-8A Poseidon aircraft is to be developed by Raytheon.

Raytheon said that with the architecture to be developed, the capabilities could be used through third-party software applications.

"The goal is to use readily available technology to quickly upgrade the P-8A's warfighting capability," said Jerry Powlen, Raytheon Space and Airborne Systems' vice president of Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance Systems.

The P-8A Poseidon from Boeing is a maritime patrol aircraft for patrol, anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare and electronic signals intelligence.

Under the $15.5 million development contract from the U.S. Navy, Raytheon will produce two application-based architecture systems, leveraging its expertise in airborne commercial-off-the-shelf computing technologies, services-oriented architecture and infrastructure; and software-based mission applications.

"Raytheon is uniquely qualified to bring enhanced mission capability to the Poseidon platform thanks to decades of experience and our partnership with the Navy on advanced electro-optical, infrared and RF sensors for many maritime and overland surveillance platforms," Powlen said.

Raytheon's team on the development project, which is expected to be completed in 2017, includes Northrop Grumman Information Systems, L-3 Communications ComCept, General Dynamics Advanced Information Systems, and Rite Solutions, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business.