Japan to show off new heavy lift military plane in search for first overseas arms sale

I used to work in and with the C-130. In my opinion, it is a great cargo plane for going into airfields near battle areas. And, its four turbo prop engines are not as sensitive to foreign object damage as the turbo fan engines used on most newer planes. It can lose two of its four engines and still take off and land, albeit with a reduced cargo load. We had one come back from a forward air base in Vietnam with over a thousand holes in it, but it still flew out under its own power. Try doing that with a C-17, or a C-2.

Basically a copy of the U.S globemaster C-17 and the european Airbus A4000M. More countries should follow Japan's example of combining two military aircrafts from two friendly foes!:)

enough range to reach Afghanistan from Tokyo.

Comedy gold.

Yes folks, vote for Shinzo or Yuriko and soon your grandchildren will be in Afghanistan, fighting Uncle Sam's global wars.

Nailed it Alfie. Comment of the month.

@Alvie. I think you are missing a generation. NK war this month?, immediately change the constitution, conscription. Next Iran, which they can reach.

The reason for the delay in production of this impressive bird was, airlift capability for a T10 tank or two T89 IFVs was added in last minute, and the rear cargo door had to be modified to facilitate paratrooper deployment.

Coming from N Z this could be a tough ask. The C 17 is the main contender right know.

This is a great aircraft for sure, maybe a little over sized for our purpose so this plane has the right fit for our air force.

Good luck Japan, this family are right behind you.

I really doubt NZ will buy the C-2 as they tend to be quite conservative with military equipment (due to not buying very often). Also key allies such as Australia have already ordered P-8 and C130J and this is likely to weight on the minds of key decision makers. I would also pick NZ to go for more modern versions of current equipment, meaning that Japan would basically have to sell the C-2 below cost to be seriously considered.

I used to work in and with the C-130. In my opinion, it is a great cargo plane for going into airfields near battle areas. And, its four turbo prop engines are not as sensitive to foreign object damage as the turbo fan engines used on most newer planes. It can lose two of its four engines and still take off and land, albeit with a reduced cargo load. We had one come back from a forward air base in Vietnam with over a thousand holes in it, but it still flew out under its own power. Try doing that with a C-17, or a C-2.

Try lifting a tank with a C130.

Seriously though, what's your point? The C-130 is still a great aircraft, but there are a lot of things it just can't do, like heavy lifting. The biggest piece of armor a C-130 could carry was a Sheridan, which has been out of service for decades. Technology has to move on.

Coming from N Z this could be a tough ask. The C 17 is the main contender right know.

That is a bit difficult since the C17 production line closed down a long time ago.

As for the C130J, it's a great plane for sure but it's range is a bit limited for New Zealand.