Kawasaki P-2J

The Kawasaki P-2J, first called the P2V-Kai, was a maritime patrol and anti-submarine aircraft built for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as a twin-turboprop development of the radial-engined Lockheed P-2 Neptune. It was developed as a cheaper alternative to buying the larger P-3 Orion. Work began in 1961, and the first aircraft, converted from a P2V-7, flew on 21 July 1966; the last of 82 new-built aircraft was delivered in March 1979. Ishikawajima-Harima T64 turboprops replaced the Wright radials, with J3 booster turbojets for take-off, the forward fuselage was stretched, and the avionics and radar were updated. EP-2J and UP-2J conversions served for electronic intelligence and target support, and the type was replaced by the P-3C in the 1980s.