Just rolled out the flying prototypes of two new military aircraft from Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the P-X maritime patrol aircraft and the C-X airlifter. First flights are due this year, with service entry in the early 2010s. Specifications released last year are about as much detail as has been given about the aircraft.
The C-X (left) is in about the same class as the Airbus A400M, but with two GE CF6-80 turbofans instead of four propellers. This makes it faster in the cruise but requires higher landing and take-off speeds and more installed thrust -- both driven by the need to keep the aircraft flying with the cockpit windows facing forward when one of the engines quits. Quoted take-off and landing distances are a not-quite-tactical 7500-7800 feet.
Neither it nor the P-X, powered by four IHI XF7 engines (right), will break the mould of Japan's military aircraft programs -- small numbers and very high unit costs -- unless the country lifts its self-imposed ban on exporting military hardware. However, that change is already being advocated by the current administration.
--Bill Sweetman
i think this is a good creation indeed. But are there good chances for this aircraft to compete with other aircraft come from vorious manufacturer e.g. airbus and boeing?
if so, may be japan will conquer the world of aircraft design more like mustang did in pearl harbour.
many things have to be look wisely on. Because we don't want this world become the place where the world war held last millennium.
Posted by: sukarno | June 05, 2007 at 06:11 AM