Japan Shops Heavy Lift C-2 Cargo Plane Overseas

 

Japanese Media reported that the JASDF is sending it's own C-2 Heavy Lift Cargo Plane to other countries to entice buyers for the Kawasaki Heavy Industries Tactical Air Lift contender. Japan had a ban on such sales that was lifted by the Abe government in 2014. They are sending this plane to an air show in Dubai and later to New Zealand. Such a sale would be Japan's first overseas arms contract in recent memory. The C-2 Airlifter has a crew of three including two pilots and one loadmaster. She boats a range of 9,800 km (5,300 nm) and a ceiling of 40,000 feet. While smaller than the C-17 Globemaster, she can still carry a Patriot (SAM) Missile Battery or a Mitsubishi H-60 Helicopter at a longer range than the older C-1. The plane is currently operated by the Japanese Air Defense Force.