Paul Lewis /TOKYO
JAPAN DEFENCE AGENCY (JDA) planners are looking for possible ways to reconcile financially and technically conflicting requirements for the development of new transport and maritime-patrol aircraft (MPAs)
The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) wants to begin development of a replacement for its fleet of Kawasaki-built Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion patrol aircraft.
Work is tentatively planned to start in fiscal year 2000, with the first aircraft scheduled to enter service in 2008.
At the same time, the Japan Air Self-Defence Force (JASDF) is pressing for funding for its planned C-X successor to the Kawasaki C-1A transport. It had hoped to have a new a long-range transport by 2004-5.
While Japan's aerospace industry, is keen to develop an indigenous MPA and C-X designs, most observers doubt that the next JDA five-year (2001-2005) funding plan would be able to support two separate programmes. Development of the MPA alone is projected to cost $3.3 billion.
One possible cost-cutting solution, which is being discussed, is designing two superficially different airframes, but using shared technology. Suggested areas of commonality include fly-by-wire flight controls, cockpit displays, hydraulics and materials, as well as components.
"Everything depends on what requirements both services have," says Kawasaki executive managing director Ryozo Tsutsui. "If the requirements can be adjusted, it offers some possibility," he adds.
Neither the JASDF nor the JMSDF is expected to conclude their programme studies before the existing five-year plan comes to an end.
Preliminary findings indicate, however, that, apart from both of the aircraft being powered by four turbofans, there would be considerable differences in size and performance.
According to local defence sources, the MPA would need four 58-67kN (13-15,000lb)-thrust-class engines, have a maximum take-off weight (MTOW) in the region of 70,000kg and a maximum design range of 9,000km (4,865nm).
The future MPA would be designed and equipped primarily for extended offshore endurance, anti-submarine warfare, surface patrol and surveillance. Its avionics suite would consist of a search radar and acoustic sensors, along with an integrated information-processing system.
A Japanese-designed four-engined C-X, by comparison, would have an MTOW of about 100,000kg and be required to carry up a payload of up to 25,000kg over a range of 6,000km (Flight International, 18-24 January 1995, P15).
The aircraft's mission would be to provide long-range transport for Japanese peacekeeping forces deployed overseas in support of the United Nations.
Design features would include a high wing, for tactical approach and take-off, a rear-loading ramp, widebody fuselage and reinforced cargo-deck.
Source: Flight International
