Defence

Kawasaki Heavy Industries has begun taxi tests of the C-X military transport and P-X maritime patrol aircraft, which were rolled out in a joint ceremony in July.

The four-engined P-X is expected to fly in mid-September, but first flight of the C-X is reportedly delayed to December because of structural problems.

The P-X, which is to replace the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Kawasaki-built P-3C Orions, is powered by four XF7-10 turbofans, developed by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries.

The C-X, which is to replace the Japan Air Self-Defense Force's Kawasaki C-1 tactical transports, is powered by a pair of General Electric CF6-80C2 turbofans.