Kawasaki C-2 & P-1 Updates

[SamuraiBlue]

Here are some recent pics I picked up from Technical Research Development Institute of the C-2 and P-1 that they are testing.
The P-1 was scheduled to be placed into commission this year but was delayed after finding cracks during the maximum structural fatigue tests and Kawasaki is reenforcing the air frame for another test. C-2 is scheduled to be placed into commission in 2014~2015.

 

[Masquerader]

I just found an article from 2023 about a proposed scheme to airdrop standoff missiles from the Kawasaki C-2 transport:

Japan Wants To Airdrop Long-Range Missiles From Its C-2 Cargo Aircraft

Japan is considering using its Kawasaki C-2 tactical transport aircraft to carry and airdrop stand-off missiles. Japan's Defense Ministry is considering

theaviationist.com

This scheme is quite reminiscent of the USAF's Rapid Dragon scheme to airdrop missiles from the C-17 and C-130, and it is interesting to note that Japan has built a number of air-launched anti-ship missiles, namely the Type 80, Type 91, and Type 93. Also, back in 2018, the second C-2 prototype was modified to service as a prototype for the RC-2 ELINT version, which entered service in October 2020.

Links:

Footage Of Japan's New Kawasaki C-2 ELINT Variant Operating From Iruma Air Base Emerges

New footage shows the intelligence gathering aircraft at Iruma Air Base. Footage and photographs have emerged of the Japanese Kawasaki C-2 Electronic

theaviationist.com

Japan is bolstering its electronic warfare capabilities

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has inducted the first of a new intelligence-gathering aircraft into service, following a two-year flight test program.

www.c4isrnet.com