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Kawasaki C-2

2017 MODERN AIRCRAFT

History of the Kawasaki C-2

Due to the need to modernize into an independent combat force (in addition to relying on the US) and keep up with China's developments, the Japanese military sees its under-development Kawasaki "C-2" series minding twin-engine transport. The aircraft was born out of a need by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) for a new high-wing transport aircraft to replace its inventory of propeller-driven Lockheed C-130 "Hercules" models of the 1950s and Kawasaki models of the 1970s. C -1" jet transport line.

Considering several possible foreign replacement vehicles, authorities ultimately did not decide to go the domestic route and launched the C-X program led by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

Development began as a prospective product with a modern swept high wing, deep fuselage and traditional T-tail. The flight deck is located behind the blunt cone assembly, while the tubular fuselage has a stable, wide design. The multi-wheeled main landing gear legs are located under the bulge in the lower part of the fuselage, and the main plane of the wings is located on the top of the aircraft. Each wing contains a base engine nacelle and a network of flaps and other necessary surface controls.

The tail is characterized by a high mounting level emerging from a single vertical tail. Powered cargo area doors are located at the bottom of the aft for access to the cargo area when loading and unloading. A typical crew consists of three crew members, including two pilots and a loading supervisor. The cargo compartment can be used to transport infantry (including paratroopers), special mission equipment, up to 8 pallets or a Sikorsky UH-60J (or similar) medium helicopter.

Empty weight is 134,000 pounds, with a maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) approaching 265,000 pounds.

The high-wing approach provided the C-2 with the high lift characteristics required for short-field operations and was listed as one of the original requirements of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. The service plans to procure up to 30 aircraft, adding a tactically flexible aircraft to its modern arsenal.

The aircraft was initially designated "C-X", later changed to "XC-2". Production form will bear the simple C-2 name under the Kawasaki brand label. The C-2 was developed alongside another Kawasaki product, the Japanese Navy's "P-X", to better manage program costs and development phases.

Introduced in 2013, the aircraft, intended as a maritime patrol platform for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), has built at least 13 airframes to date (2014). The XC-2 itself has entered flight testing and made its maiden flight on January 26, 2010, although development/budget issues have delayed the official launch of the service - possibly as early as 2015 or later.

Powered by two GE CF6-80C2K1F series turbofan engines rated at 59,740 lbf, the C-2 will achieve a cruise speed of approximately 550 mph, a range of 6,215 miles and a service ceiling of up to 40,000 feet . Kawasaki also plans to launch a commercial passenger version for the civilian market.