The Kawasaki C-2 (previously C-X) is a mid-size, twin-turbofan engine, long range, high speed military transport aircraft being developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF). These will eventually replace a fleet of older Kawasaki C-1 and Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules tactical cargo aircraft.
The C-2 can carry much more cargo and has longer range than the previous C-1 and C-130 Hercules.
Development
After researching foreign aircraft like the C-130J Super Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III, and Airbus A400M, the Ministry of Defense concluded that no aircraft had the capabilities the JASDF required. The MOD decided to develop its own transport aircraft. In 2001, the MOD had decided on requesting a new transport aircraft, planning to buy 40 aircraft. Kawasaki Heavy Industries was chosen to develop the aircraft, in parallel with the P-X to cut costs, sharing major airframe parts and system components; using the same basic wing structure, although it is installed at different sweep angle and dihedral on the two versions, with different high lift devices and powerplant attachments. As of 2007, the total development cost for the two aircraft has been 345 billion yen (or roughly equal to $2.9 billion), which is comparably low to similar programs. The development contract for the P-8 Poseidon alone is $3.89 billion. Kawasaki also intends to sell a commercial model able to fly on commercial airline routes.
During the construction of the first prototype there was a problem with some American-made rivets which delayed the roll-out to July 4, 2007 along with its cousin aircraft P-X (now P-1). Structural testing also revealed deformation of the XP-1 / XC-2 horizontal stabiliser as well as cracking in the XC-2 undercarriage trunnion structure and parts of the fuselage. First flight of the Kawasaki C-2 took place on 26 January 2010.
Postponement of the F-X program and the need to increase funding of the F-15J fleet modernisation program have necessitated a one-year delay in the Kawasaki C-2 program. Re-designated C-2 before the first flight at Gifu Air Field, on 26 January 2010, the first flight was carried out without problems and the aircraft delivered to the Japan Ministry of Defence on 30 March 2010.
The plane was delayed again in 2014 when the rear cargo door failed during pressure tests. The delay will increase the program cost by 40 billion yen ($390 million) to 260 billion yen.
Design
The Kawasaki C-2 has been designed to take-off and land on unprepared airstrips or short runways such as grass, snow and mud. The 43.9m long, 44.4m wide and 14.2m high C-2 features a high wing monoplane design.The aircraft has a glassed-in nose, a pressurised flight deck, cargo hold and a rear loading ramp, which can open in-flight.The aircraft has cockpit panel and windows, a horizontal stabiliser, an auxiliary power unitand anti-collision light and gear control unit. The tricycle type landing gear includes low pressure tyres and disc brakes. The aircraft can carry 20 A-22 containers or eight 463L pallets in its cargo compartment.
Integration of advanced technologies provides the Kawasaki C-2 with faster and superior cruise, greater flight range, heavier payload and spacious cargo compartments, compared to the C-1 aircraft.
The avionics suite installed in the C-2 includes tactical flight management system, in-flight refuelling facility and night vision system. The aircraft is also equipped with an automatic loading and unloading system for handling cargo.
Engines and performance
The Kawasaki C-2 is powered by two GE CF6-80C2K1F engines designed and manufactured by General Electric Aviation. Each engine can produce a maximum of 266kN thrust. It is equipped with a single fan, four-stage low pressure and 14-stage high pressure axial compressor, five-stage low pressure turbine, dual stage high pressure turbine and annular combustor. The engine is 4.26m long and 2.69m in diameter. The dry weight of the engine varies between 4,300kg and 4,472kg.
The C-2 can fly at a maximum speed of 890km/h. The maximum and ferry ranges of the aircraft are 6,500km and 10,000km respectively. The service ceiling is 12,200m.
Specifications (C-2)
General characteristics
Crew: 3: 2 pilots, 1 loadmaster
Capacity:
Field Operation System or
Truck Crane or
8 463L Pallets or
1 UH-60JA helicopter or
1 Maneuver Combat Vehicle wheeled tank destroyer
Payload: 37,600 kg (37.6 tonnes) (84,000 lb)
Length: 43.9 m (144 ft)
Wingspan: 44.4 m (145 ft 8 in)
Height: 14.2 m (46 ft 7 in)
Empty weight: 60,800 kg (133,920 lb)
Max. takeoff weight: 141,400 kg (311,734 lb)
Powerplant: 2 × GE CF6-80C2K1F, 59,740 lbf (266 kN) each
Performance
Cruise speed: Mach 0.8 (550 mph, 890 km/h)
Range: 6500 km (4,039 mi; 3,510 nmi) at 12t payload
Ferry range: 10,000 km (6,214 mi; 5,400 nmi)
Service ceiling: 12,200 m (40,000 ft)