A U.S Navy surveillance aircraft will be making a special appearance at Bournemouth Air Festival.

The P-8A Poseidon Surveillance Aircraft will be doing a flypast on Friday afternoon.

The Boeing plane has been developed for the U.S. Navy (USN) and modified from the Boeing 737-800.

It is powered by two turbo fans and with a wingspan of nearly 40 metres.

First flown in 2009, the P-8A will be the youngest aircraft participating at the festival.

With a military naval role, it doesn’t transport passengers but fulfils one of the primary mission of USN anti-submarine warfare.

LT Justin Branch, lead U.S. Navy Officer, said: “It’s a privilege to support the Air Festival, this is our second engagement taking place in the UK this year and it is always a privilege to be included in these events. We receive amazing support and eagerly anticipate opportunities to strengthen relationships with our allies and showcase the P-8A Poseidon.”.

Chris Saunders, head of operations in tourism services, said: “The aircraft will be part of Friday’s line up, to have U.S. Navy support, and importantly for them to see the significance of the festival, really highlights the strong relationships we have with our Armed Forces partners.”

The 12th Bournemouth Air Festival takes place between August 29 and September 1.