Kawasaki C-2

The modern Japanese strategic transport built for long-range airlift.

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JASDF C-2 fly over at Miho Air Base. – © Hunini

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Overview

Kawasaki Japan ICAO: EC45 2010–Present Active $136 million (2016)

The Kawasaki C-2 is a twin-engine military transport developed for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. Introduced in the 2010s, it replaced older transport aircraft with improved range and payload. The aircraft supports strategic airlift missions.

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Specifications

Units
Engine
2 × General Electric CF6-80C2K1F
Engine type
Turbofan
Thrust
2 × 59,740 lbf · 266 kN
Avionics
—
Wing tips
No winglets
Seats
3
Crew
—
Cabin width
13 ft 1 in  ·  4.00 m
Cabin height
13 ft 1 in  ·  4.00 m
Cabin length
52 ft 6 in  ·  16.00 m
Exterior length
144 ft 0 in  ·  43.90 m
Tail height
46 ft 7 in  ·  14.20 m
Fuselage diameter
16 ft 5 in  ·  5.00 m
Wing span
145 ft 8 in  ·  44.40 m
Baggage volume
8,864 ft³  ·  251.0 m³
Gross weight
—
Empty weight
—
Max takeoff weight
311,500 lb  ·  141,500 kg
Max landing weight
—
Max payload
83,000 lb  ·  37,600 kg
Fuel capacity
11,350 gal · 43,000 L · 34,400 kg (Jet A)
Max cruise speed
500 kt  ·  575 mph  ·  926 km/h
Maximum speed
—
Cruise speed
—
Approach speed
—
Range
5,400 nm  ·  6,210 mi  ·  10,000 km
Fuel burn
—
Ceiling
40,000 ft  ·  12,200 m
Rate of climb
3,500 ft/min  ·  18 m/s
Takeoff distance
1,640 ft  ·  500 m
Landing distance
1,640 ft  ·  500 m
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JASDF C 2 68 1204 fly over at Miho Air Base

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Operational Context

Kawasaki C-2 — twin-engine strategic transport aircraft

The C-2 first flew in 2010 and entered service in 2016. It was designed to transport heavy equipment and personnel over intercontinental distances. The aircraft features a high-wing layout and rear cargo ramp for efficient loading.

Powered by two General Electric CF6 turbofan engines producing approximately 60,000 pounds of thrust (267 kN) each, the C-2 cruises at around 470 knots (870 km/h). Maximum takeoff weight exceeds 310,000 pounds (140,614 kg). The aircraft can carry large vehicles and heavy cargo loads.

The C-2 enhances Japan’s strategic mobility and humanitarian response capability. It represents a modern step in Japanese aerospace manufacturing. Limited exports have also been pursued.