Kawasaki Delivers Static Test Plane for P-X Next-Generation Fixed-wing Patrol Aircraft

 Tokyo, October 16, 2006 ― Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that on October 13 it delivered the #01 test aircraft for the P-X for full-scale static testing to the Japan Defense Agency’s (JDA) Technical Research and Development Institute (TRDI).

 This test plane was transported from Kawasaki’s Gifu Works over March and April 2006 to the Strength Test Center at TRDI’s Air Systems Research Center in Tachikawa City, Tokyo for assembly and installation of load frames, load actuators and measuring instruments. It is now ready for the JDA to put it to the test.

 JDA began concurrent development of the P-X and the C-X transport aircraft in fiscal 2001, ended March 31, 2002, with an aim to succeeding maiden flight in fiscal 2007. In November 2001, Kawasaki earned prime contractor status to develop these planes with aircraft manufacturers and other participating companies. Kawasaki is currently assembling the P-X #1 and C-X #1 test planes for their maiden flights.