So far, the YS-11 is the only successful
airliner made in
Japan. It was built between 1962 and 1973 by
Nippon Aircraft Manufacturing Company, a joint venture of
Fuji Heavy Industries,
Kawasaki,
Mitsubishi,
Shin Meiwa, and
Showa. Physically, it looks much like an
ATR with a low wing instead of a high wing.
The YS-11's major customers were All Nippon Airways, Toa Domestic Airlines (now a part of Japan Air System), Piedmont Airlines, and Olympic Airways. Japan's Air Self Defense Force and the Greek Air Force both use the YS-11 as a VIP transport, trainer, and electronic warfare aircraft. A total of 182 were produced.
The majority of the YS-11's still in commercial operation are found on inter-island routes in backwater areas of the Philippines. Air Nippon, the major operator of YS-11's in Japan, retired its last models in August 2003.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engines: Two Rolls Royce Dart turboprops, each rated 3,000 horsepower
Wingspan: 105 ft (32 m)
Fuselage: 86 ft (26 m)
Dry weight: 31,000 lb (15,500 kg)
Maximum takeoff weight: 54,000 lb (24,500 kg)
Airspeed: 250 kts (470 kph)
Operating range: 680 miles (1,100 km)
Passengers: 64