Patient With Paper

In 1966, the JASDF has a fleet of Curtiss C-46 above the construction of the Commandos, a retired American interwar plans in large numbers for the end of the Second World War. While at the right time, the C-46 of the food is poor compared to newer aircraft like the Lockheed C-130 Hercules and the JASDF has decided to replace it with a domestically designed and manufactured transport aircraft.

To this end, turned to the Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Company, a consortium of several large companies, commercial aircraft YS-11 four years earlier began to produce. NAMC decided that Kawasaki Heavy Industries was the main contractor and the aircraft must carry the name of the company. Fully developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries of Japan and the design of an airplane as a military transport aircraft for the Japan Self Defense Forces since its first flight in November 1970.

Japanese policy at the time for military equipment that are not too aggressive features tight, so the maximum range is reduced to keep the aircraft in the operational area in Japan. This proved a problem in Okinawa in Japan, returned from the USA, and the plane had trouble reaching the island from distant regions. Production ceased and C introduced in the 130th