Deliveries Due To Begin In Early 2011

In development since 2001, two next-generation aircraft prototypes for the Japanese military were finally introduced to the public Wednesday.

The P-X patrol (above) and C-X cargo aircraft were designed to extend the range of Japan's military operations and improve its surveillance capabilities, according to the Associated Press.

The aircraft were showcased at a Kawasaki Heavy Industries factory, the project's lead contractor.

The jet-powered P-X will replace the propeller-driven P-3C with the Japanese Navy and the C-X cargo plane will replace the Japanese air force's C-1, said a Defense Ministry spokeswoman on condition of anonymity.

The company said deliveries of the aircraft should begin next year with the C-X entering service by March of 2011 and the P-X that August.

The newly developed radar and sonar systems on the P-X are expected to improve detection capabilities and the C-X will offer the air force improved fuel efficiency. Both are also expected to fly faster and farther than what they are replacing.

According to the spokeswoman, the range of the C-X (shown above) will likely triple that of the C-1, which can go about 930 miles fully loaded.

FMI: www.mod.go.jp/e/s_map/index.html, http://www.khi.co.jp/index_e.html