Kawasaki C-1

Kawasaki · Japan · first flew 1970 · transport aircraft

The Kawasaki C-1 is a Japanese twin-turbofan tactical military transport built to replace the Curtiss C-46 in JASDF service.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsHigh-mounted, swept
E — Engines2 × turbofan, wing-mounted
F — Fuselageshort, stubby fuselage compared with larger four-engine transports
T — TailT-tail

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Identified by its high swept wing carrying two underwing turbofans, prominent T-tail, and short fuselage compared with larger four-engine transports like the C-130.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1970, it was developed and built entirely in Japan to meet Self-Defense Force airlift needs, and entered service in 1974.

Variants

Variants include the standard C-1 transport, the EC-1 electronic warfare trainer, and a flight-test/avionics testbed derivative.

Where you'll see it

The type remains in limited JASDF service for tactical airlift, being progressively replaced by the larger Kawasaki C-2; it has no UK presence.

Related aircraft

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