The KV-107 served widely in the Japanese services, both the Army and Air Force operating greater numbers than the Navy. The example displayed in the JMSDF Museum is one of seven of this sub-variant which was used for mine-sweeping

One of 20 remaining King Airs in service as trainers with the JMSDF's 202 KyoikuKok at Tokushima

The JMSDF operated a total of 64 P2V-7 (SP-2H) patrol aircraft from 1956 to 1981. The first 16 were transferred from the USN, the remainder either assembled or manufactured by Kawasaki in Japan. The final delivery was in 1965, three years after Lockheed had finished production. This example was one of those delivered in knocked-down component form

In the early 1960s, Shin Meiwa extensively modified a Grumman UF-1 (BuAer 149822) with a boundary layer control STOL system. The company, previously known as Kawanishi, used wartime experience with flying boats (see my Emily photo #20511to further develop the UF-XS, which first flew in 12.62, into an ASW patrol aircraft, leading to the PS-1/US-1 for the JMSDF. The unique UF-XS is now in the Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum; note unusual 4-engined configuration with 3-bladed props inboard and 2-bladed outboard

One of 35 transferred from the USN to the JMSDF in 1957 and phased out in the mid 1960s. It was ordered as USAAF 44-47556 but before completion on the production line it was transferred to the USN as BuAer 85125. Carried code 3MSS-24 when in use as instructional airframe at the 3rd MSDF Service School at Shimofusa AB from 1964 to 1974

This version of the Kawasaki-built EP-3 has five radomes, all visible in this view as the aircraft heads out on another training circuit

The first of two US-1A Kai prototypes, the advanced version of the famous flying boat by ShinMaywa. 'Peacock 901' was carrying out test flights for the Technical Research and Development Institute of the Japan Defence Agency. Afterwards, the US-1A Kai was redesignated US-2, making this preproduction ship an XUS-2. At the time of photographing it clearly still displayed its original designation. Shin Meiwa was renamed to ShinMaywa in 1992. [Nikon F100, Fuji Provia 100F]

A majestic 71 Kokutai flying boat departing its home base for another mission over Japan's vast territorial waters. The aircraft's design history goes back to the mid-sixties and it remains unique in modern times as a four-engined amphibian in full service.

High speed pass by a 3 Kokutai Orion. Looks like the crew was enjoying this as much as the spectators did.

Join the Maritime Self Defence Force, see the world. A Japanese naval helicopter in Amsterdam's IJ Harbour. The tall building is the city's new passenger terminal.

Lifting off from Komatsushima's short runway which is for helicopters only

A total of 83 P-2Js were delivered to the JMSDF between 1969 and 1979. Besides converting the Neptune to turboprop power, Kawasaki incorporated many of the advanced systems used in the Lockheed P-3 Orion. A 54-inch fuselage extension between the wing and cockpit accommodated improved electronics

Aboard the Japanese destroyer Umigiri, visiting Amsterdam.

The JMSDF started receiving this version of the EC135 customised to Japanese requirements in late 2009 as replacements for the OH-6 trainer fleet. So far 13 are in service with 211 KyoikuKok at Kanoya

The Yushukan war museum, next to the controversial Yasukuni shrine, paints an strange picture of Japan's role in World War II. This Zero was built in Nagoya in late 1943. It served in Rabaul where it was abandoned in 1945.

The M6A1 Seiran was designed to emerge from large I-400 class submarines to bomb the locks in the Panama Canal. It never happened. This one received US Navy tail number 47 after capture. Note the Nakajima Kikka jet fighter, inspired by the Me 262, in the background.