JAPAN TO DISPLAY KAWASAKI P-1 AT PARIS AIR SHOW 2017

The japanise-made maritime patrol aircraft will fly to Le Bourget for the first time.

Kawasaki P-1 maritime patrol aircraft

After the international debut at the Farnborough International Air Show 2015, Japan will still send its P-1 aircraft to the next Paris Air Show 2017.

According to the program, the japanese-made aircraft will perfom a flying display during the trade days (June 19-22) and not in the general public days (June 23-25).

The Kawasaki P-1 is a maritime patrol aircraft developed and manufactured by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. Unlike many maritime patrol aircraft, which are typically conversions of civilian projects, the P-1 is a totally new aircraft that was developed and manufactured domestically, including the airframe, the engines and the patrol systems.

The P-1 has entered service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) replacing the P-3C Orion. On 26 March 2013, the JMSDF took delivery of the first two operational P-1 aircraft.

With its latest technologies, the P-1 flies faster and has a greater range and useful load than the P-3C, enabling it to patrol the extensive sea areas surrounding Japan for many hours. It has the distinction of being the first operational aircraft in the world to make use of a fly-by-light control system.

As the successor to the P-3C, the P-1 is used for prolonged, extensive patrols in the sea areas surrounding Japan.

In addition to Japan, a potential new operator could be New Zealand, the government has requested information on the P-1 and Kawasaki C-2 to meet the country's patrol and transport aircraft needs. 

Written by Matteo Sanzani

Photo credit: JMSDF