Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE
THE JAPAN DEFENCE Agency (JDA) wants to launch development of a new maritime-patrol aircraft (MPA) by 2000, with an in-service date of 2008, as a replacement for its Kawasaki-built Lockheed Martin P-3C Orion anti-submarine-warfare aircraft.
Provisional planning calls for full-scale development to start in fiscal year 2000, and the first MPA prototype to fly by 2004. The first production-series aircraft would enter service in 2008 with the Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF).
The JDA's Technical Research and Development Institute expects in FY1997 to receive initial funding to begin a MPA programme study with Kawasaki.
Preliminary design specifications centre on a four-engine aircraft, powered by 49-67kN (11,000-15,000lb)-thrust turbofans. Candidate engines will probably include the up-rated Allison AE3012, BMW Rolls-Royce BR710 and General Electric CF34-8C.
The MPA would have a maximum take-off weight in the range of 50-70,000kg. It is required to fly faster and higher than the P-3C, with a target cruise speed of Mach 0.85 at 30,000ft (9,150m).
The JMSDF's mission profile has also changed with the end of the Cold War and the declining threat of Russia's Far East submarine fleet. The new MPA, instead of being dedicated to anti-submarine warfare, will be geared towards multi-purpose patrol, including surface-target search and surveillance.
It is unclear, how many replacement MPAs the JMSDF will need, but it is unlikely to match the 97P-3Cs which have been delivered by Kawasaki. The navy is reducing its Orion fleet to around 80.
The JDA is coming under strong pressure from Japan's aerospace industry, particularly Kawasaki, to fund a follow on programme to the P-3C, to sustain production and employment. The JDA's 1996 budget request, contains funding for only one derivative UP-3D electronic-warfare training aircraft.
Kawasaki has also been promoting the development of the indigenous C-X transport aircraft as a replacement for the C-IA. Most Japanese defence observers, however, consider it unlikely that Kawasaki will be able to secure funding for both projects (Flight International, 18-24 January).
Source: Flight International
