TYPE: Basic turboprop trainer.
PROGRAMME: Modification (Fuji designation KM-2D) of JASDF piston-engined T-3, which it is intended to replace on an approximately one-for-one basis. Selected by JDA (in preference to Pilatus PC-7 Mk IIM) in third quarter 1998 to meet T-7 requirement; two prototypes included in FY99 budget request, but in late 1998 procurement deferred for one year. JDA reopened competition in August 1999, with bids in third quarter 2000; T-3Kai selected as basis for T-7, September 2000; first 11 T-7s approved in FY01 budget. A T-3Kai prototype was test flown and awarded JCAB type certificate. First two production aircraft (26-5901 and 26-5902; first flight July 2002) delivered to Air Development & Test Wing at Gifu in September 2002.
CUSTOMERS: JASDF requirement for 47 T-7s over a 10-year period; 11 funded in FY01 defence budget; further 10 in FY02 and seven in FY03. To equip 11th and 12th Flying Training Wings.
Following details refer to T-3Kai
DESIGN FEATURES: Modifications to engine cowling, wings and tail unit compared with T-3.
Wing section NACA 23016.5 at root, NACA 23012 at tip; dihedral 6o from roots; sweepback 0o at quarter-chord.
FLYING CONTROLS: Conventional and manual. Plain ailerons, each with balance tab (port tab controllable for trim); controllable tab in each elevator, anti-balance tab in rudder. Single-slotted flaps.
STRUCTURE: Two-spar all-metal wing; all-metal semi-monocoque fuselage.
LANDING GEAR: Electrically retractable tricycle type.
POWER PLANT: One 336 kW (450 shp) Rolls-Royce 250-B17F turboprop; three-blade propeller. Two bladder-type fuel tanks in each wing, combined capacity 375 litres (99.0 US gallons; 82.4 Imp gallons).
ACCOMMODATION: Crew of two in tandem. Dual controls standard.
SYSTEMS: Vapour cycle air conditioning system.
AVIONICS: Include VHF, UHF, ATC transponder, ICS and Tacan.
