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[1] The PMO Aurora divided AIMP into groups: acoustic (sonobuoy and acoustic system modernization),
communications management, radios, data link, data management, sensors, navigation, and flight instruments. AIMP was
then divided into four phases or blocks. Block 1 covered replacement/upgrade of HF (high frequency) radio gear,
cockpit voice recorder, flight data recorder, and SRX (speed and range expansion) antennae. Block 2 upgraded the
navigation systems including directional indicators, GPS, inertial navigation system, autopilot, radar altimeter,
transponder, and ACAS (collision avoidance). Block 3 upgraded communications (VHF / UHF radios, SatCom radio),
Data Management System, and sensors (imaging radar, E/O, MAD (magnetic-anomaly detection) system, etc.). Block 4 was
to include DEWS (defensive early-warning system) and a stand-off air-to-surface missile system (extended
range Harpoon has been mentioned in the past). Blocks 1 through 3 were substantially complete when AIMP was
cancelled and will still be implemented, but block 4 was never approved.
[2] A general description of CP-140 Aurora sensors and systems will be included on our Aurora
Incremental Modernization Project page.
[3] The US military designation is used. Current CP-140 engine is the T56-A-14-LFE – military version of
the civilian 501-D22A turboprop. The full military rating is shown. The civilian power rating is 3362kW (4508shp).
The T56 was an Allison design, now part of Rolls-Royce.
[4] A typical crew consists of 2 pilots, 1 flight engineer (FE), 4 navigators (Air Nav), and 3 Airborne Electronic
Sensor Operators (AESOp). Air Nav responsiblities are: one for navigation and communication duties, one for tactics,
and the other two operate the acoustic sensors.
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Aurora – Goddess of the Dawn
Two and a half decades on, those Aurora electronics had become outdated and difficult to find parts for
(USN S-3s were no longer used for ASW). While other the operators of P-3s benefitted from regular upgrade
packages applied to US Navy Orions, the Aurora’s distinctiveness became a disadvantage. No simple,
economical ‘plug-ins’ for the CP-140. With no 
The long-term future of the Aurora was in question. Both AIMP and ASLEP were to be abandoned but
the MND changed his mind again within months. Now 10 Aurora updates will be completed to AIMP Phase III
and those ten airframes willalso be ‘life- extended’. With a part-upgrade, Auroras will
never be a strategic surveillance asset as envisoned by AIMP proponents. However, until at least 2012, the
ten re-lifed CP-140s will soldier on in their more traditional roles – anti-submarine warfare
combined with sovereignty patrols over Canada’s three coastlines.