The Kawasaki P-1 (previously P-X, XP-1) is a Japanese maritime patrol aircraft being developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). It is intended to replace the P-3C maritime patrol aircraft operated by the JMSDF. The JMSDF took delivery of the first two operational P-1 aircraft on 26 March 2013.
Development
With its P-3C aircraft having been in service for twenty years, the JMSDF began to look for a replacement maritime patrol aircraft. Lockheed and the United States had been working on the Lockheed P-7 to replace its own P-3s, but the program had been cancelled. Since other similar aircraft (such as the Nimrod) did not meet the JMSDF's requirements, they decided to develop their own aircraft.
The project was intended to share many design components with the Kawasaki C-2, another local design intended to replace the C-1 and C-130H cargo aircraft. However, due to the very different roles of the two aircraft, only minimal similarities have been achieved. The merit rather lies in the sharing of development resources, allowing a large reduction in development costs. Total development costs included C-X are 345 billion Yen ($3 billion) at 2007.
The first prototype aircraft of Kawasaki P-1 was rolled out from Kawasaki Gifu Work's South Plant in July 2007. The aircraft completed its maiden flight in September 2007.
The Ministry of Defence received the first test aircraft in August 2008. Kawasaki delivered four Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol test aircraft to the Ministry of Defence by March 2010. The Japanese defence ministry found tears in several parts of the test aircraft during ground testing in August 2011. The fuel tank and central part of the fuselage were reinforced after repairs.
The forward fuselages and horizontal tails are of a robust, lightweight and cost-effective composite material made from carbon fibres. The wing-body fairings for the Kawasaki P-1 are supplied by NIPPI Corporation. The fairings reduce drag by overlaying the joint between the main wing and fuselage. The aircraft carries up to 13 crew members.
The Kawasaki P-1 has a length of 38m, wingspan of 35.4m and a tail height of 12.1m. The maximum take-off weight of the aircraft is 79.7t. The latest technologies provide the Kawasaki P-1 with higher speed, greater range and useful load than the P-3C aircraft.
The latest technologies provide the Kawasaki P-1 with higher speed, greater range and useful load than the P-3C aircraft.
The aircraft incorporates the fly-by-light (FBL) system which offers increased resistance to high electromagnetic interference (EMI). The FBL system uses fibre optics to transfer flight control commands at higher speeds.
Weapon systems
The external pylons of the Kawasaki P-1 can carry wide range of weapon systems such as AGM-84 Harpoon anti-ship missiles, ASM-1C anti-ship missiles, AGM-65 Maverick air-to-surface missiles, G-RX-5 torpedoes, mines, depth charges and bombs. The aircraft can also deploy sonobuoys while conducting anti-submarine warfare missions.
The Kawasaki P-1 is powered by four F7-10 turbofan engines of Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries.
The aircraft is equipped with new acoustics and phased array radar systems with enhanced capabilities for detecting and tracking submarines and small vessels. The sensor suite integrates HPS-106 Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA), magnetic anomaly detection (MAD) system and Infrared/Light detection systems. The MAD system ensures the detection of submarines by finding magnetic variances made by a submarine in the Earth's magnetic field.
The P-1 will also be fitted with an artificial intelligence system to support TACCO mission. The advanced onboard combat direction system provides the TACCO operator with the best flight path to attack a submarine. The aircraft can be integrated with radar warning receiver, missile warning system, electronic support measures and countermeasures dispensing systems.
Engines
The Kawasaki P-1 is powered by four F7-10 turbofan engines of Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries. Mounted below the low-set wings, each engine generates a thrust of 60kN.
The high bypass ratio turbofan engine achieves low fuel consumption and low noise levels. The engine has an inlet diameter of about 1.4m and length of about 2.7m. The power plant provides greater flight range and maximum cruise speed to the aircraft.
Specifications
General characteristics
Crew: Flight: 2 Mission: 11
Length: 38.0 m (124 ft 8 in)
Wingspan: 35.4 m (114 ft 8 in)
Height: 12.1 m (39 ft 4 in)
Max. takeoff weight: 79,700 kg (176,000 lb)
Powerplant: 4 × IHI Corporation F7 turbofan, 13,500 lbs (60 kN) each
Performance
Maximum speed: 996 km/h (538 knots, 619 mph)
Cruise speed: 833 km/h (450 knots, 516 mph)
Range: 8,000 km (4,320 nm, 4,970 mi)
Service ceiling: 44,200 ft (13,520 m)
Armament
Hardpoint: 8 wing stations in total (2x on each wing and 2x on each wing root) and eight internal bomb bay stations
Bombs: 20,000+ lb (9,000+ kg)
Missiles: AGM-84 Harpoon, ASM-1C, AGM-65 Maverick
Sonobuoys: 30+ Pre-loaded, 70+ Deployable from inside
Other: MK-46 and Type 97 and new(G-RX5) torpedoes, mines, depth charges
Avionics
Radar: Toshiba, Active Electronically Scanned Array radar system
Sonar: NEC, multi-static sound navigation system sound
Anti-submarine systems:SHINKO ELECTRIC CO.LTD., Advanced combat direction system
Other: Mitsubishi, Electronic countermeasures (CMD, RWR, MWS, ESM)