Kawasaki P-2J

P-2J Neptune
A P-2J displayed at Kanoya Air Base of JMSDF
Role ASW and maritime patrol aircraft
Manufacturer Lockheed
Kawasaki Aerospace Company
First flight 21 July 1966
Introduction 1969
Retired 1996
Primary user Japan Maritime Self Defense Force
Produced 1966-1979
Number built 83
Developed from P-2 Neptune

The Kawasaki P-2J (originally P2V-Kai) was a Maritime patrol and ASW aircraft developed for the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force. A turboprop-powered version of the radial-engined P-2 Neptune, the P-2J was developed as an alternative to buying the larger and more expensive P-3 Orion, which would eventually replace the P-2J in the 1980s.

Design and development

The Kawasaki-built P-2J (originally P2V-Kai, where "Kai" (改) means modification) was the last version of the Neptune to be produced. Work on the P-2J was begun in 1961.[1] The first P-2J, converted from a P2V-7 (P-2H) performed its initial flight on 21 July 1966, and the last of a further 82 production P-2Js was delivered in March 1979.[2]

The Wright radial engines of the Lockheed P-2s were replaced with 2,125 kW (2,850 HP) General Electric T64-10 turboprop engines built under license in Japan, using three-bladed propellers instead of the four-bladed units of late-model P-2s.[3] The booster turbojets J3-IHI-7C, designed in Japan by Ishikawajima-Harima, and designated produced 13.7 kN (3,085 lbf) thrust. The new engines gave the P-2J a top speed of 650 km/h (400 mph).

A Japanese P-2J (note the twin-wheel main gear) framed by cherry blossoms at the Naval Air Facility, Atsugi, Japan in 1985

The P-2J had accommodations for up to 12 crewmen.[3] The forward fuselage was extended 4 feet 3 inches (1.30 m), with the tail surfaces being enlarged and their shape modified. AN/APS-80 search radar was fitted in a smaller radome. Updated avionics systems were installed, and these systems were much more compact than those used in other versions of the Neptune. The lighter avionics load permitted greater fuel capacity. The P-2J's main gear was fitted with two wheels each, rather than the one large wheel of the earlier models.[3]

Operational history

The P-2J was phased out in the 1980s in favor of the P-3C Orion,[3] which eventually replaced the Neptune in the ocean-patrol air fleets of the West. The last maritime reconnaissance squadron re-equipped with the Orion in 1993, but the P-2J remained in service for electronic reconnaissance and target support purposes.[4]

Variants

A P-2J at the Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum
P-2J 
Originally called the P2V-Kai
T64 turboprop engines, IHI J3 engine pods, improved ASW/ECM gear, APS-80 search radar standard, increased fuel capacity, various other improvements; 1 converted from a P-2H, and 82 new-builds.
EP-2J 
P-2J converted for ELINT. Two converted.[2][3]
UP-2J 
P-2J converted for drone support, target towing and test purposes. Four converted.[3][4]

Operators

 Japan

Specifications (P-2J)

Data from Combat Aircraft since 1945[3]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

3,629 kg (8,001 lb) including free-fall bombs, depth charges, and torpedoes; 16 x 5 in rockets under the wings

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Taylor 1966, pp. 104–105.
  2. 1 2 Michell 1994, p.124.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Wilson, p.80
  4. 1 2 Donald and Lake 1996, pp.222–223.
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