The Japan Defence Agency (JDA) has chosen Kawasaki Heavy Industries to lead development of the indigenous C-X transport and P-X maritime patrol aircraft which it plans to buy to replace Kawasaki C-1s and Lockheed Martin P-3Cs.
The JDA is expected to order the aircraft during the next few weeks, clearing the way for the start of full-scale development. Mitsubishi had bid for prime contractorship of the C-X only while Fuji had suggested an industry consortium be formed to oversee development of the two platforms.
Kawasaki is thought to have been selected because of its experience in leading previous Japanese aircraft projects and in producing US military aircraft under licence.
Though the C-X will be twin-engined and the P-X equipped with four turbofans and the aircraft will have different fuselage cross-sections, the JDA wants the pair to share common structures and systems where possible to cut development costs. Areas of commonality are likely to include cockpit avionics, empennage and the outer wing.
In an unexpected twist the Japanese Government says technology developed as part of the C-X/P-X project will be used to support long-standing industry efforts to produce a new family of 100-150-seat airliners after 2010.
The P-X is due to fly in 2006, followed by the C-X a year later.
The USA and Japan are meanwhile planning talks over the possible joint development of a new mission system to equip next-generation maritime patrol aircraft.
Source: Flight International
