Kawasaki C-1

C-1
JASDF C-1 at Iruma AB in 2011
Role Military Transport
Manufacturer Kawasaki Heavy Industries
First flight 12 November 1970[1]
Introduction December 1974
Primary user Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Number built 31
Unit cost
¥4.8 billion

The Kawasaki C-1 (川崎 C-1) is a twin-engined short-range military transport, used by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). Development began in 1966 as the JASDF sought to replace its aging World War II–era C-46 Commandos. Production commenced in 1971, and the aircraft remains in service.

Development

In 1966, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force transport fleet was composed primarily of Curtiss C-46 Commandos, a retired midwar American design built in large numbers before the end of World War II. While relatively capable for its time, the C-46 did not fare well in comparison to newer aircraft such as the Lockheed C-130 Hercules, and the JASDF therefore elected to replace it with a domestically-designed and -manufactured transport aircraft.

For this purpose, they turned to the Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation, a consortium of several major corporations, which had begun to produce commercially its YS-11 airliner four years earlier. NAMC decided that Kawasaki Heavy Industries was to be the prime contractor, and the airplane thus bears that company's name. The aircraft has been used as military transport for the JASDF since its maiden flight in November 1970.

Japanese policies at the time on military equipment were strict in that they were not to have offensive capabilities, and so the maximum range was cut in order to keep the aircraft's operational range inside Japan. This proved to be a problem after Okinawa was returned to Japan from the US, and the aircraft had trouble reaching the island from distant areas. Thus production was reduced and the C-130 was introduced.

Operational history

The Kawasaki C-1 has been in use since 1974 but will be replaced by the Kawasaki C-2, which has a longer range. The first of twenty C-2s is expected to be delivered in 2014.[2]

On 30 June 2016, 1st production model C-2 aircraft, "68-1203", was delivered to Air Development and Test Wing at Gifu Air Field.[3]

Variants

The EC-1 at Iruma (2011).
The last five C-1s ordered were fitted with an additional 4,730 litre fuel tank.
Powered by four FRJ710 turbofan engines and making use of the Coandă effect. It was built to research STOL using upper surface blowing, aircraft noise reduction, fly-by-wire systems and composite materials construction. The only example built is currently on display in Kakamigahara Museum in Gifu, Japan.

Note: Three C-1s were allocated to the MSDF as airborne minelayers under the Fourth Defense Buildup Plan (1972–76). It is unknown what designation was given to them, or indeed whether they were ever actually delivered.

Operators

 Japan

Accidents

On 28 June 2000, a C-1 crashed into the sea on Japan's west coast during a test flight that was expected to take 90 minutes. The aircraft had five personnel on board.[4]

On 19 April 1983 2 C-1s crashed near Toba, Mie when the lead 2 airplanes of a formation of 5 en route from Komaki AB to Iruma AB flew into a hill while flying in low visibility at low altitude. A third airplane narrowly avoided also crashing and struck trees, but was able to return to Komaki AB. 14 personnel were killed in these 2 airplanes. 6 personnel were in airplane 68-1015 and 8 personnel were in airplane 58-1009.[5]

On 18 February 1986 1 C-1 (airplane 58-1010) suffered extensive damage in take off from Iruma AB and was declared a write-off. There were no personnel injured in this accident. [6]

Specifications (Kawasaki C-1)

Internal cargo cabin view
Paratroopers

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1976–77 [7]

General characteristics

Performance

Notable appearances in media

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Taylor 1976, p.124.
  2. ↑ "Japanese AF Calls For Speedy C-2 Deliveries | AVIATION WEEK". 8 August 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-08.
  3. ↑ "Kawasaki Delivers First Mass-produced C-2 Transport Aircraft to JASDF" Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
  4. ↑ "Japanese Military Plane Crashes". Associated Press. 28 June 2000. Retrieved 24 June 2015 – via HighBeam Research. (subscription required (help)).
  5. ↑ ASN Aircraft accident Kawasaki C-1 68-1015 Toba Retrieved February 29, 2016
  6. ↑ ASN Aircraft accident Kawasaki C-1 58-1010 Iruma Air Base Retrieved February 29, 2016
  7. ↑ Taylor 1976, pp. 124—125.
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