A Japanese Kawasaki P-1 four-jet maritime patrol aircraft flying at the 2015 Royal International Air Tattoo
The Royal International Air Tattoo 2015 witnessed a British airshow 'first' when the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) displayed two examples of its Kawasaki P-1 four-jet maritime patrol aircraft - one in the static park and the other in the flying programme. Not only was this the UK debut of the P-1, but the type's appearance at the 2015 Air Tattoo marked the first time any Japanese military aircraft had ever taken part in a European flying display. It was also the public debut in the UK of any Japanese Defence Force equipment The P-1 demonstrates the advanced capabilities of Japan's aviation industry. It was developed to replace the Lockheed P-3C Orion maritime patrol platforms operated by the JMSDF, and a maiden flight of the XP-1 prototype was completed at Gifu Air Base in September 2007. Service entry of the production P-1 model commenced during 2013.
Size: 3515px × 2811px
Photo credit: © Niall Ferguson / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
Keywords: -1, -defense, aircraft, flying, force, japanese, jmsdf, kawasaki, maritime, patrol
