As I gaze upon the NAMC YS-11 turboprop, its engine and tail fin shape remind me of the Hawker Siddeley 748, albeit larger in size. In fact, I used to believe that this aircraft was a larger variant of the HS 748. It is a common sight in the Philippines, having been operated by several airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Air Philippines, and Asian Spirit in the past.
Even now, I occasionally spot a few NAMC YS-11s parked at the general aviation area of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. However, I am uncertain if they are still in operation or have been retired.
The NAMC YS-11 was a turboprop airliner manufactured by the Japanese company Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC). It was the first plane designed and made in Japan since the end of World War II, and it was a big deal for the country’s aviation industry. In this blog, we’ll explore the history, design, and legacy of this iconic aircraft.
History
In the early 1950s, Japan’s aviation industry was still recovering from the aftermath of World War II. The Japanese government recognized the need for a domestically-built aircraft to serve the country’s growing aviation market. In response, NAMC was established in 1954 to develop and manufacture a new aircraft that could compete with foreign models.
The YS-11 project was launched in 1957, and the first prototype flew on August 30, 1962. The plane went into service with All Nippon Airways (ANA) in 1965, and both passengers and crew liked it a lot. It soon became a popular aircraft for short-haul flights in Japan and other parts of Asia.
Design and specs
The YS-11 was designed as a short-haul airliner, capable of carrying up to 64 passengers. It featured a high-wing design with two turboprop engines mounted on the wings. The aircraft had a distinctive “stretched” appearance, with a longer fuselage than most other turboprop aircraft of the time.
The YS-11 was also equipped with advanced safety features, such as a cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, which were not standard on most other aircraft at the time. The plane was also known for having powerful engines and advanced noise-reduction technology that made it quiet and smooth to fly.
- Crew: 2 (pilot and co-pilot)
- Capacity: up to 64 passengers
- Length: 26.44 meters (86 ft 9 in)
- Wingspan: 32.96 meters (108 ft 2 in)
- Height: 9.83 meters (32 ft 3 in)
- Wing area: 103.56 square meters (1,114 sq ft)
- Maximum takeoff weight: 23,000 kg (50,706 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Rolls-Royce/Allison Dart RDa.10 Mk 542-10 turboprop engines, each producing 3,070 shp (2,290 kW)
- Maximum speed: 587 km/h (365 mph, 317 knots)
- Cruise speed: 500 km/h (310 mph, 270 knots)
- Range: 2,410 km (1,500 mi, 1,300 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 8,840 meters (29,000 ft)
Innovation
The NAMC YS-11 was a highly capable and reliable turboprop aircraft that was known for its advanced design and innovative features. Here are some of the most important features of the YS-11:
- Advanced Aerodynamics: The NAMC YS-11 featured a highly advanced airframe design, with a unique wing configuration and a highly efficient airfoil shape. This made it highly maneuverable and efficient in flight.
- High Payload Capacity: Despite its relatively small size, the YS-11 had a high payload capacity, with a maximum seating capacity of up to 68 passengers or the ability to carry up to 10,000 pounds of cargo.
- Powerful Engines: The YS-11 was powered by two Rolls-Royce/Allison Dart turboprop engines, which provided excellent performance and fuel efficiency. Later variants of the YS-11 featured more powerful engines to improve performance in hot and high-altitude environments.
- Advanced Avionics: The YS-11 was equipped with advanced avionics and navigational equipment, including a radar altimeter, weather radar, and autopilot system. This made it highly capable of flying in all kinds of weather conditions.
- Innovative Design: The YS-11 featured several innovative design elements, such as its low-noise propellers, retractable landing gear, and advanced soundproofing materials. These features made the aircraft highly comfortable and quiet for passengers.
Variants
There were several variants of the NAMC YS-11 produced during its production run, each with different modifications and improvements. Here are some of the main variants:
- YS-11: The first production model of the YS-11 was introduced in 1962. It featured two Rolls-Royce/Allison Dart turboprop engines and a maximum seating capacity of 64 passengers.
- YS-11A: This model was introduced in 1965 and featured more powerful engines, improved soundproofing, and other modifications to improve passenger comfort. The maximum seating capacity was increased to 68 passengers.
- YS-11E: The YS-11E was a modified version of the YS-11A that was specifically designed for operation in hot and high-altitude environments. It featured improved engines and other modifications to improve performance in these conditions.
- YS-11EB: This was a modified version of the YS-11E that was specifically designed for operation in cold weather conditions. It featured improved de-icing equipment and other modifications to improve performance in these conditions.
- YS-11F: The YS-11F was a cargo version of the YS-11 that was introduced in 1970. It featured a large cargo door and a modified interior to accommodate cargo.
- YS-11M: The YS-11M was a modified version of the YS-11 that was specifically designed for operation by the Japanese military. It featured several modifications to meet military specifications, including a reinforced fuselage and improved avionics.
It is important to remember that the YS-11 was also made in a few other minor versions, each with its own changes and improvements.
Legacy
Despite its success in the Japanese and Asian markets, the YS-11 faced stiff competition from other aircraft manufacturers, particularly in Europe and North America. The rise of the jet airliner in the 1960s and 1970s also contributed to the decline of turboprop aircraft like the YS-11.
Production of the YS-11 ended in 1974, after a total of 182 aircraft had been built. However, many of these aircraft continued to serve in various roles, including as cargo planes, military transports, and even as private jets.
Today, the YS-11 is regarded as an important symbol of Japan’s post-war recovery and technological prowess. It is also remembered for its unique design and innovative features, which helped to set a new standard for aircraft safety and comfort.
The NAMC YS-11 was a very innovative plane that was very important to the growth of Japan’s aviation industry. Its advanced safety features, powerful engines, and quiet ride made it a popular choice for short-haul flights in Japan and other parts of Asia. Even though the YS-11 stopped being made in the 1970s, it is still remembered as a sign of Japan’s creativity and innovation in the field of aviation.
First love never dies. I fell in love with airplanes and aviation when I was a kid. My dream was to become a pilot, but destiny led me to another path: to be an aviation digital media content creator and a small business owner. My passion for aviation inspires me to bring you quality content through my website and social accounts. Aviation is indeed in my blood and blog!
