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C-X Transport Follow-on

Japan is pursuing an indigenous aircraft program that intends to share a common airframe with a domestic C-1 transport follow-on. It is felt that coupling the P-3 replacement program with an airframe common to the C-1 transport replacement can achieve significant cost savings. The C-X/P-X is a joint JASDF/JMSDF effort to create a next-generation cargo transport (C-X) and a next-generation maritime patrol/ antisubmarine warfare aircraft (P-X). In fiscal 2001, ended March 31, 2002, JDA began concurrently developing the P-X fixed-wing patrol aircraft and the C-X transport aircraft to put them into operation in fiscal 2007. The Japanese military planned to buy 80 PXs and 44 C-Xs, with the P-X entering service in 2011 and the C-X in 2012.

Initially replacement with existing foreign systems could not be ruled out. The C-X requirement could be met by Lockheed Martin’s C-130J, Airbus’s A400M, or Boeing’s C-17, or a mixed fleet of these types. Even with local production or industry offsets, these acquisitions would involve considerably smaller Japanese industry roles than those planned for P-X/C-X.

In November 2001, the JDA selected Kawasaki to lead the C-X/P-X program. Kawasaki had been the prime contractor for the two aircraft that would be replacemed by the new aircraft family, the C-1 transport and the P-3 maritime patrol aircraft. The company built 107 P-3s under license from Lockheed Martin, the last one delivered in early 2000. Kawasaki is active in a diverse range of knowledge-intensive facets of the aviation industry, and is one of Japan's leading aircraft and engine manufacturers. The Company has played a major role as the prime contractor for the Ministry of Defense (MOD) T-4 intermediate jet trainer and the P-3C antisubmarine warfare patrol airplane. It is now also the prime contractor for the development of two large, next-generation aircraft, the P-X maritime patrol airplane and the C-X transport aircraft, on which work has already begun.

The Japanese Air Self Defense Force required C-X (cargo aircraft) to replace the ageing Kawasaki C-1 aircraft platform. The first C-1 prototype flew in 1970. Similar to the P-X program, Kawasaki intended to have two prototype aircraft ready in 2007.

Notably the two aircraft under development will have partially identical body structures and systems. The C-X will replace the Kawasaki C-1A; it has a high-mounted wing and two General Electric CF6-80C2L1F/F138-GE-100 engines. In contrast, while the P-X uses essentially the same outer wing, flight deck/nose section and tail unit, it is a low-wing aircraft with four new Japanese F7 engines. Given the rather divergent missions for the two planes, it is not surprising that early hopes for significant commonality have not been realized. The C-X has a high wing with two General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofans, while P-X has a low wing with four smaller (and completely new) Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries XF-7 engines. The fuselages are almost completely different, too, with the P-X relying on a new, risky maritime patrol combat system. The only commonality is in the flight deck and some relatively small wing and rear-fuselage components. With the high level of nearly unique development work necessary for the two programs, it is unclear whether Japan will chose to develop and produce both types.

On March 16, 2006 Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. delivered the #01 test aircraft of the C-X, which will be used for full-scale static tests, to the Japan Defense Agency’s (JDA) Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI). In December 2005, the test plane of this next-generation transport aircraft was transferred from Kawasaki’s Gifu Works to the strength test center of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Gifu Air Base for assembly. Once delivered to TRDI, a variety of tests will be conducted by JDA using load frames, load actuators and measuring instruments. Kawasaki assembled the P-X #01 test plane for static tests and the P-X #1 and C-X #1 test planes for flight tests.

Delays have plagued the C-X program. On July 4, 2007 Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced that it had rolled out the #1 test P-X fixed-wing maritime patrol aircraft and C-X transport aircraft at its Gifu Works. This initial roll-out was pushed back due to a problem with rivets bought in the USA. Like the XP-1, first flight was set for September 2007, but structural problems led to further delays. Tests in 2007 revealed a problem with the C-X's horizontal stabiliser and cracks were found around the main landing gear and fuselage. It had been difficult to rectify this problem and KHI may have to go back to the drawing board with the design. The defence ministry was conducting static tests on the aircraft before scheduling its first flight, which was expected by the end of 2008, with mid-2009 as a likelier target.