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Kawasaki P-2J Neptune

1969 COLD WAR

History of the Kawasaki P-2J Neptune

In 1961, construction of a new maritime patrol platform for the Japanese nation began. Instead of investing heavily in the more modern but expensive Lockheed P-3 Orion offered by the Americans, it was decided to develop a turboprop version of the Lockheed P-2 Neptune, slightly modified to Meet the requirements of Japan.

The aircraft served with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) from its inception in 1969 until its retirement in 1996. 83 were produced from 1966 to 1979.

A P-2H (P2V-7) airframe was used for modification and the first flight of the prototype was recorded on 21 July 1966. The replacement of Neptune's radial unit with the new engine was facilitated as the local Japanese industry was already familiar with the licensed production of GE's T64 Series 10 turboprop. Each unit produces 2,850 horsepower and powers a four-blade propeller system.

In addition to conventional engines, the new Japanese version of the aircraft is equipped with J3-IHI-7C series turbojet engines for enhanced performance, and the avionics are state-of-the-art. These changes resulted in the aircraft having a slightly longer inlet than the original USN, a larger surface area on the tail surface, and a larger interior volume for more fuel.

This aircraft was adopted by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as the P-2J "Neptune". Despite the listed changes, the aircraft's origins are easily recognizable: the fuselage retains its slim profile and board-side approach. The flight deck is behind and above the nose, and both sections are glazed to provide good visibility outside the aircraft. The wings are mid-mounted monoplanes, each supporting an engine nacelle along the leading edge. The wings also feature a significant number of dihedrals (upward angles) and end with mission-related equipment.

Pods are also mounted under each wing outside each engine nacelle. The abdominal bag along the front of the fuselage is fitted with a radome. The tail is conventional, with a single vertical tail and a low level. The landing gear adopts a three-point attitude and can be fully retracted.

The original in-service model, referred to simply as "P-2J", formed the only prototype example and an additional 82 "new build" aircraft. Two of these inventories were then rebuilt for electronic intelligence (ELINT) roles under the designation "EP-2J". "UP-2J" stands for four P-2J airframes modified to perform various UAV-related functions.

The P-2J units were in service until their technical capabilities were eventually surpassed by the JMSDF style, leading the service to eventually order a fleet of Lockheed P-3C Orions. The P-2J production line was gradually reduced in the 1980s, and the last line was not abandoned until 1993.