Kawasaki P-1

The Kawasaki P-1, earlier called the P-X and XP-1, is a four-engined maritime patrol aircraft built by Kawasaki Aerospace Company for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. Unlike many patrol aircraft that are conversions of airliners, it was designed from the start for its role and has no civil counterpart. It was the first operational aircraft in the world to use a fly-by-optics control system. It replaces the Lockheed P-3C Orion, and the first two operational aircraft were delivered in March 2013. Kawasaki delivered four XP-1 test aircraft by March 2010, and about sixty or more production aircraft are needed to replace the Orion fleet. Export customers are also being sought.