The Japan Defence Agency (JDA) is evaluating industry bids to lead development of its ambitious $3 billion C-X transport and MP-X maritime patrol aircraft programmes and is expected to make a selection in November.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) is bidding for prime contractorship of both aircraft while Mitsubishi wants just the C-X. Fuji Heavy Industries wants a major role in both and has suggested the three form a separate joint venture company to act as prime contractor.
"We are now working on selecting the prime contractor but the plans are not fixed yet," says the JDA. Also submitting proposals as engineering subcontractors were Jamco, Japan Aircraft Manufacturing, ShinMaywa Industries and Showa Aircraft Industry.
KHI is front-runner for the MP-X contract because of its experience in licence-producing P-3C Orions. The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force operates nearly 100, to be replaced by the new aircraft.
The C-X and MP-X, which could have common outer wing, empennage, cockpit and systems, are due to enter service in 2009 and 2011. The JDA's Technical Research and Development Institute is working on a 13,000lb-thrust (58kN) turbofan for the four-engined MP-X, while the C-X twinjet's powerplant is likely to be off-the-shelf.
Source: Flight International
