The Only Fixed-Wing Plane
When it comes to air units of the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF), helicopters are what usually comes to mind.
However, the de-facto Army also operates a small number of fixed-wing aircraft for reconnaissance and liaison purposes – The LR-2.
- General Overview
| Length | 17.65m (57.9ft) |
| Width | 14.22m (46.65ft) |
| Height | 4.37m (14.33ft) |
| Crew | 2 people + 8 passengers |
| Speed | 580km/h (360mph) |
| Range | 2,800km (1,740 miles) |
| Altitude | 10,700m (35,100ft) |
| Unit Price | 15 million USD |
Known by its nickname Hayabusa (Falcon), the LR-2 is modified Beechcraft Super King Air, an American business jet.
A total of eight LR-2s were introduced in 1999 to replace the aging LR-1s, but one was lost in an accident in 2017, with the remaining seven currently stationed at the 1st Helicopter Brigade (Kisarazu, Chiba Prefecture).
Although it was intended for transporting personnel and supplies between military bases, the need for liaison aircraft has diminished due to the rapid evolution of communication technology.
Consequently, the LR-2 is often used for airlifting emergency patients from remote islands to the mainland hospitals.
That being said, it has better speed and range than the CH-47J helicopter, making it suitable for carrying high-ranking officials on their way to inspections.
The LR-2 can be equipped with reconnaissance gear like high-grade cameras, but it is unarmed and lacks any defensive measures.
As cheap drones are being used on the battlefield, there is little reason to use the LR-2s for reconnaissance anymore, with some exceptions like aerial assessment of natural disasters.
Destined To Disappear
The LR-2 will see limited use for personnel and medical transport, but it is ultimately destined to decommission without any replacement.
Despite being JGSDF’s only fixed-wing aircraft, the Army lacks any training aircraft for its pilots, requiring them to train at a naval aviation school instead.
Additionally, since JGSDF’s air operation is centered around helicopters, there aren’t many bases with runways long enough to accommodate the fixed wing aircraft.
The recent introduction of the V-22 Osprey, which requires no runway and surpasses the LR-2 in speed, range, and transport capacity, has further reduced its necessity.
Considering the shortage of pilots, maintaining the LR-2 is becoming less practical, and it is expected to be gradually phased out as the Osprey takes over its role.
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