C-X Static Test Plane Delivered to Japan Defense Agency

 Tokyo, March 16, 2006 – Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. yesterday delivered the #01 test aircraft of the C-X, which will be used for full-scale static tests, to the Japan Defense Agency’s (JDA) Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI).

 In December 2005, the test plane of this next-generation transport aircraft was transferred from Kawasaki’s Gifu Works to the strength test center of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force Gifu Air Base for assembly. Now delivered to TRDI, a variety of tests will be conducted by JDA using load frames, load actuators and measuring instruments.

 In fiscal 2001, ended March 31, 2002, JDA began concurrently developing the P-X fixed-wing patrol aircraft and the C-X transport aircraft to put them into operation in fiscal 2007. In November 2001, Kawasaki earned prime contractor status to develop these planes with airframe manufacturers and other participating companies. Currently, Kawasaki is assembling the P-X #01 test plane for static tests and the P-X #1 and C-X #1 test planes for flight tests.