First flights of Japan's indigenously developed C-X transport and P-X maritime patrol aircraft look to be drawing closer, with images of the first completed prototypes released by the defence ministry's Technical Research and Development Institute. Led by Kawasaki Heavy Industries, the C-X/P-X project , worth around $2.8 billion, will deliver replacements for Tokyo's air force Kawasaki C-1 and navy Lockheed P-3 fleets. The TRDI has meanwhile conducted test flights of a C-1 testbed modified to carry an Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries XF7 engine that will power both new aircraft types.

Japanese P-X maritime patrol 
© Japanese Ministry of Defence   
Japanese C-X transport



Source: Flight International