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Japanese Air Force. State and development prospects of the Japanese Air Force

The Japanese Air Force is the aviation component of the Japan Self-Defense Force and is responsible for airspace defense. The purpose of the Air Force is to combat the air forces of the aggressor, provide air defense and missile defense to the country's economic and political centers, force groups and important military installations, provide military support to the Navy and ground forces, conduct radar and aerial reconnaissance and providing air transport of troops and weapons.

History of the Japanese Air Force and Aviation

At the beginning of the twentieth century, almost all of Europe was interested in aviation. Exactly the same need arose in Japan. First of all, it was about military aviation. In 1913, the country acquired 2 aircraft - the Nieuport NG (double) and the Nieuport NM (triple), produced in 1910. Initially, it was planned to use them purely for exercises, but soon they also took part in combat missions.

For the first time Japan used combat aviation in September '14. Together with the British and French, the Japanese opposed the Germans located in China. In addition to the Nieuports, the Japanese Air Force had 4 Farman units. At first they were used as scouts, and then they carried out airstrikes against the enemy. And the first air battle took place during the attack of the German fleet in Tsingtao. Then the German Taub took to the skies. As a result of the air battle, there was no winner or loser, but one Japanese plane was forced to land in China. The plane was burned. During the entire campaign, 86 sorties were flown and 44 bombs were dropped.

The first attempts to launch flying machines in Japan happened back in 1891. Then several models with rubber motors took to the air. A little later, a larger model with a drive and a pusher propeller was designed. But the military was not interested in her. It was only in 1910, when the Farman and Grande aircraft were purchased, that aviation was born in Japan.

In 1916, the first unique development was built - the Yokoso flying boat. The companies Kawasaki, Nakajima and Mitsubishi immediately took up development. For the next fifteen years, this trio was engaged in the production of improved models of European aircraft, mainly German, English and French. Pilot training took place in best schools USA. By the early 1930s, the government decided that it was time to begin its own aircraft production.

In 1936, Japan independently developed the Mitsubishi G3M1 and Ki-21 twin-engine bombers, the Mitsubishi Ki-15 reconnaissance aircraft, the Nakajima B5N1 carrier-based bombers, and the Mitsubishi A5M1 fighters. In 1937, the “second Japanese-Chinese conflict” began, which led to complete secrecy of the aviation industry. A year later, large industrial enterprises were privatized by the state and were completely controlled by it.

Until the end of World War II, Japanese aviation was subordinate to the Japanese Navy and imperial army. It was not assigned to a separate type of troops. After the war, when new armed forces began to be formed, the Japanese Self-Defense Forces were created. The first equipment they had under their control was produced in the USA. Starting from the 70-80s, only those aircraft that were modernized at Japanese enterprises began to be sent into service. A little later, aircraft of our own production entered service: Kawasaki C-1 - a military transport, Mitsubishi F-2 - a fighter-bomber. For 1992, personnel Japanese aviation amounted to 46,000 people, combat aircraft - 330 units. By 2004, the Japanese Air Force had 51,092 personnel.

In 2007, Japan expressed a desire to purchase the F-22, a fifth-generation fighter, from the United States. Having received a refusal, the government decided to build its own aircraft of the same type - the Mitsubishi ATD-X. By 2012, the number of employees in the Air Force had decreased to 43,123 people. The number of aircraft is 371 units.

Japan Air Force Organization (Japanese Air Force)

Air Force heads the main headquarters. Subordinate to him are the commands for combat support and aviation, the communications brigade, the training command, the security group, the test command, hospitals (3 pieces), the counterintelligence department and many others. The BAC is an operational formation that carries out combat missions for the Air Force.

Equipment and weapons include combat, training, transport, special aircraft and helicopters.

Combat aircraft:

The F-15 Eagle is a combat trainer fighter.
Mitsubishi F-2 is a combat training fighter-bomber.
The F-4 Phantom II is a reconnaissance fighter.
LockheedMartin F-35 Lightning II is a fighter-bomber.

Training aircraft:

Kawasaki T-4 – training.
Fuji T-7 – training.
Hawker 400 – training.
NAMC YS-11 – training.

Transport aircraft:

C-130 Hercules – transport aircraft.
Kawasaki C-1 – transport, electronic warfare training.
NAMC YS-11 – transport aircraft.
Kawasaki C-2 – transporter.

Special purpose aircraft:

Boeing KC-767 – refueling aircraft.
Gulfstream IV – VIP transport.
NAMC YS-11E – electronic warfare aircraft.
E-2 Hawkeye - AWACS aircraft.
Boeing E-767 is an AWACS aircraft.
U-125 Peace Krypton - rescue aircraft.

Helicopters:

CH-47 Chinook – transport aircraft.
Mitsubishi H-60 – rescue.

Imperialist circles in Japan continue to actively increase the country's military potential under the guise of creating "defensive forces" integral part which is aviation.

Judging by foreign press reports, the revival of the Japanese Air Force began in the 50s within the framework of the “public security corps” created with the direct assistance of the Pentagon. After the transformation of this corps into the “self-defense forces” (July 1954), aviation was separated into an independent branch armed forces. By this time, its strength was about 6,300 people, it had approximately 170 obsolete American-made aircraft. In 1956, the Air Force (16 thousand people) already included two aviation wings, four control and warning groups, and six aviation schools. The aircraft were based at eight airfields.

According to foreign press reports, the formation of the Air Force was largely completed by the beginning of the 60s. They included a combat aviation command with three aviation directions that had aviation wings (four fighter and one transport). Pilots were trained at the Air Training Command, and ground specialists were trained at five aviation technical schools, united in a technical training center, which was then transformed into the Air Technical Training Command. At that time, the supply of units and units was carried out by the MTO command, which included three supply centers. In total, there were 40 thousand people in the Air Force.

The third and fourth five-year programs for building the armed forces played an important role in the subsequent development of the Japanese air force. Under the third program (fiscal years 1967/68 - 1971/72), obsolete F-86F and F-104J fighters were replaced by F-4EJ aircraft (Fig. 1), produced by Japanese industry under an American license. RF-4E reconnaissance aircraft were purchased. To replace the transport piston aircraft C-4G, their own transport jet aircraft C-1 was created (Fig. 2), and a supersonic training aircraft T-2 was designed to train flight personnel (Fig. 3). On the basis of the latter, a single-seat close air support aircraft FS-T2 was developed.

Rice. 1. F-4EJ Phantom fighter

During the implementation of the fourth program (fiscal years 1972/73 - 1976/77), main task which is considered to be a radical modernization of the Japanese armed forces, including the Air Force, the delivery of some new aircraft equipment continues. As reported in the foreign press, by April 1, 1975, the air force already had about 60 F-4EJ fighters (a total of 128 aircraft were planned to be purchased). From the second half of 1975, the arrival of FS-T2 aircraft was expected (68 units were ordered).

The country's air defense system began to be created in the early 60s. Along with fighter aircraft, which formed its basis, it included missile units of missile defense systems. In 1964, there were already two groups of Nike-Ajax missile defense systems (each with an anti-aircraft missile division). According to the plans of the third program for the construction of the armed forces, two groups of Nike-J missiles (Japanese version of the missile) were formed. In 1973, another group of these missiles was added to them. At the same time, Nike-Ajax missiles were replaced by Nike-J missiles.

Rice. 2. Transport aircraft S-1

Below is given a brief description of current state Japanese Air Force.

Composition of the Japanese Air Force

By mid-1975, the number of personnel in the Japanese Air Force was about 45 thousand people. The service consisted of more than 500 combat aircraft (including up to 60 F-4EJ fighters, over 170 F-104J, about 250 F-86F and almost 20 RF-4E and RF-86F reconnaissance aircraft), approximately 400 auxiliary aircraft (more than 35 transport and 350 training aircraft). In addition, there were at least 20 helicopters and approximately 150 Nike-J missile launchers. Aviation was based at 15 air bases and airfields.

Rice. 3. T-2 training aircraft

Japanese Air Force Organization

The Japanese Air Force includes Air Force Headquarters, Air Combat Command, Air Training Command, Aircraft Technical Command, Logistics Command, and central subordinate units (Fig. 4). The Air Force Commander is also the Chief of Staff.

Rice. 4. Japanese Air Force organization diagram

Air Combat Command is not the highest operational command of the Air Force. It consists of a headquarters located in Fuchu (near Tokyo), three aviation directions, a separate fighter aviation group on the island. Okinawa, individual units and units, including the reconnaissance aviation squadron.

The aviation sector is considered a specific operational-territorial organizational unit, characteristic only of the Japanese Air Force. In accordance with the territorial division of the country into three air defense zones (Northern, Central and Western), three aviation directions have been created. The commander of each of them is responsible for aviation activities and air defense in the area of their responsibility. General scheme organizations aviation direction shown in Fig. 5. Organizationally, the directions differ from each other only in the number of air wings and missile defense groups.

Rice. 5 Scheme of organization of the aviation sector

The northern aviation direction (headquarters at Misawa airbase) covers the island from the air. Hokkaido and the northeastern part of the island. Honshu. It houses a fighter wing and a separate fighter group armed with F-4EJ and F-1U4J aircraft, as well as a group of Nike-J missiles.

The Central Aviation Direction (Irumagawa Air Base) is responsible for the defense of the central part of the island. Honshu. It includes three fighter wings (F-4FJ, F-104J and F-86F aircraft) and two groups of Nike-J missiles.

The western aviation direction (Kasuga Air Base) provides cover for the southern part of the island. Honshu, as well as the Shikoku and Kyushu islands. Its combat forces consist of two fighter wings (F-104J and F-86F aircraft), as well as two groups of Nike-J missiles. For the defense of the Ryukyu Archipelago on the island. Okinawa (Paha Air Base) a separate fighter aviation group (F-104J aircraft) and a Nike-J missile defense group, which is part of it, are operationally subordinate to this direction. The following detachments are also located here: logistics, control and warning, as well as the base one.

As reported in the foreign press, the fighter wing (Fig. 6) is the main tactical unit of the Japanese Air Force. It has a headquarters battle group(two or three fighter squadrons), a logistics group consisting of five detachments for various purposes, and an airfield service group (seven to eight detachments).

Rice. 6 Fighter wing organization diagram

The control and warning wing operates in the area of its direction (air defense sector). Its main task is the timely detection of air targets, their identification, as well as alerting commanders of units and air defense units about the enemy air force and guiding fighters towards it. The wing includes: headquarters, an air situation control group, three or four control and warning groups, logistics and basic maintenance groups. The control and warning wings of the Northern and Western aviation directions are subordinated to one mobile detection and warning detachment, designed to enhance radar cover in the most important directions or to replace failed stationary radars.

The Nike-J missile defense group can hit air targets at medium and high altitudes. It consists of a headquarters, a missile defense division of three or four batteries (nine launchers per battery), a logistics detachment and a maintenance detachment.

The aviation logistics department is responsible for organizing the supply of military equipment, weapons, ammunition and other military equipment to units.

A separate reconnaissance aviation squadron (Irumagawa airfield), directly subordinate to the headquarters of the air combat command, is equipped with RF-4E and RF-80F aircraft. It has a headquarters, a logistics detachment and an airfield service detachment.

The Air Training Command provides training for Air Force flight personnel. It includes a headquarters, one fighter and three training air wings, as well as a training squadron. Training is conducted on T-1A, T-2, T-33A and F-86F aircraft.

The Aviation Technical Training Command, which unites five aviation technical schools, trains specialists for the support and auxiliary services of the air force.

The MTO command is engaged in long-term planning, procurement and distribution of military equipment, weapons and supplies in accordance with the needs of combat and support units and units of the Air Force. Three supply bases are subordinate to the logistics command.

Units under central command include a transport aviation wing and a rescue aviation wing. The first is intended for the airlift of troops and cargo, as well as for airborne landings. The wing includes: a headquarters, a transport aviation group, including two aviation squadrons and a training aviation detachment (S-1, YS-11 and S-40 aircraft), as well as logistics and airfield maintenance groups. The second wing's mission is to search for and rescue crews of aircraft (helicopters) that have crashed directly over Japanese territory or over coastal waters. The wing's components are the headquarters, eight rescue squads located in various parts of the country, a training squadron and a logistics group. It is armed with MIJ-2, T-34 aircraft and S-G2, Y-107 helicopters.

The air defense of Japan is organized and conducted according to a unified plan of the command of the armed forces using F-4EJ, F-104J, F-8GF fighters and Nike-J missiles from the air force. In addition, the 3URs available in the Japanese ground forces (seven anti-aircraft groups - up to 160 launchers) are being used for these purposes. Airspace surveillance is carried out by 28 radar posts. An automated system is used for centralized control of air defense forces and means.

Combat training of Japanese Air Force personnel is aimed primarily at practicing the country's air defense missions. Crews of tactical fighters and transport aircraft are trained to perform air support missions and support the actions of ground forces and, to a lesser extent, naval forces.

The Japanese military leadership believes that the country's aviation capabilities do not meet modern combat requirements at full sea, primarily because most of the aircraft in service are worn out. In this regard, measures are being taken to replace the outdated F-86F and F-104J fighters. To this end, Japanese experts are studying combat capabilities fighters foreign countries(American F-16, F-15 and F-14, Swedish, French and others), the production of which could be mastered at Japanese enterprises under licenses. In addition, Japanese companies are increasing the production of modern F-4FJ, FS-T2, C-1 and T-2 aircraft.

Information about the Japanese Air Force published in the foreign press shows that the aviation equipment in their arsenal is constantly improving in quality terms, and organizational structure is being systematically improved. A characteristic feature of the construction of the Air Force is that it is increasingly equipped with aircraft equipment of its own production.

Being an independent species armed forces are called upon to solve the following main tasks: providing air defense, providing air support to ground forces and naval forces, conducting aerial reconnaissance, carrying out air transportation and landing of troops and cargo. Considering important role, which is assigned to the Air Force in the aggressive plans of Japanese militarism, the country's military leadership pays great attention to increasing their combat power. First of all, this is done by equipping units and subunits with the latest aviation equipment and weapons. To this end, in last years With the active assistance of the United States, Japan launched production of modern F-15J combat aircraft, AIM-9P and L Sidewinder air-to-air guided missiles, and CH-47 helicopters. Development has been completed and serial production has begun of short-range anti-aircraft missile systems type 81, T-4 jet trainer aircraft, ASM-1 air-to-ship missiles, new stationary and mobile three-coordinate radars, etc. Currently Preparations are being completed for the deployment of production at Japanese enterprises of Patriot anti-aircraft missile systems under an American license.

All this, as well as the continuing supply of weapons from the United States, allowed the Japanese leadership to significantly strengthen its Air Force. In particular, over the past five years, about 160 combat and auxiliary aircraft have entered their service, including over 90 F-15J fighters, 20 F-1 tactical fighters, eight E-2C Hawkeye AWACS and control aircraft, six transport C-130N aircraft and other aviation equipment. Due to this, four fighter squadrons (201, 202, 203 and 204) were re-equipped with F-15J aircraft, the completion of the F-1 fighter-bombers of three squadrons (3, 6 and 8), the 601st squadron was formed AWACS and control (E-2C Hawkeye aircraft), the re-equipment of the 401st transport squadron with C-130N aircraft has begun. From short-range anti-aircraft missile systems type 81, as well as portable air defense systems "Stinger" and anti-aircraft artillery installations"Vulcan" formed the first mixed anti-aircraft missile and artillery division (SMZRADN) of air defense. In addition, the Air Force continued to receive three-coordinate stationary (J/FPS-1 and -2) and mobile (J/TPS-100 and -101) Japanese-made radars, which replaced outdated American stations (AN/FPS-6 and -66) in the radio engineering troops of the Air Force. Seven separate mobile radar companies have also been formed. Work on modernizing the air defense automated control system “Badge” is at the final stage.

Below, according to the foreign press, is the organization and composition, combat training and prospects for the development of the Japanese Air Force.

ORGANIZATION AND COMPOSITION. The leadership of the air force is exercised by the commander, who is also the chief of staff. The main forces and assets of the Air Force are consolidated into four commands: combat aviation (CAC), aviation training (UAK), aviation technical training (ATC) and logistics support (MTO). In addition, there are several centrally subordinate units and agencies (the organizational structure of the Air Force is shown in Fig. 1).

Since August 1982, special flight-tactical training has been systematically conducted, the purpose of which is for Japanese pilots to practice intercepting enemy bombers in wide application electronic warfare means. The role of the latter is played by the American B-52 strategic bombers, which actively jam the on-board radars of intercepting fighters. In 1985, 12 such trainings were performed. All of them were carried out in the Japanese Air Force combat training zone, located west of the island. Kyushu.

In addition to those mentioned above, weekly tactical flight training is conducted jointly with American aviation to improve the skills of flight personnel in performing interceptions and conducting group air battles (from a pair to a flight of aircraft on each side). The duration of such training is one or two flight shifts (6 hours each).

Along with joint Japanese-American activities, the Japanese Air Force command systematically organizes flight tactical training of aviation, anti-aircraft missile units and departments, both independently and in collaboration with ground forces and the country's navy.

Planned combat training activities for fighter aviation are annual exercises and competitions of combat and aviation command units held since 1960. During them, the best aviation units and subunits are identified, and the experience of their combat training is studied. Such competition exercises involve teams from all parts of the BAC, as well as from the training squadrons of the 4th Air Training Command, crews from the Nike-J missile defense divisions and teams of radar and guidance point operators.

Each aviation team has four combat aircraft and up to 20 flight and technical personnel. As a rule, Komatsu Air Base is used for competitions, one of the most large zones air force combat training, located over the Sea of Japan north-west of Komatsu, as well as the Amagamori (northern part of Honshu) and Shimamatsu (Hokkaido) aviation training grounds. Teams compete in intercepting air targets, conducting group air battles, striking ground and sea targets, including practical bombing and shooting.

The foreign press notes that the Japanese Air Force has extensive combat capabilities and its crews have high level vocational training, which is supported by the entire system of daily combat training and is tested during the various exercises, competitions and other events mentioned above. The average annual flight time for a fighter pilot is about 145 hours.

AIR FORCE DEVELOPMENT. In accordance with the five-year program for building the Japanese armed forces (1986-1990), further expansion of the power of the Air Force is planned to be carried out mainly through the supply of modern aircraft, anti-aircraft missile systems, modernization of aircraft equipment and weapons, as well as improvement of the airspace control and management system.

The construction program plans to continue the supply of F-15J aircraft to the country's Air Force since 1982 and increase their total number to 187 units by the end of 1990. By this time, it is planned to re-equip three more squadrons (303, 305 and 304) with F-15 fighters. Most of the F-4EJ aircraft in service (there are currently 129 units), in particular 91 fighters, are planned to be modernized in order to extend their service life until the end of the 90s, and 17 aircraft will be converted into reconnaissance aircraft.

At the beginning of 1984, it was decided to adopt American anti-aircraft missiles into service with the Air Force. missile systems"Patriot" and rearm all six anti-aircraft guns with them missile divisions SAM "Nike-J". Starting from the 1986 fiscal year, it is planned to allocate funds annually for the purchase of four Patriot air defense systems. They will begin entering the Air Force in 1988. The first two training batteries are planned to be formed in 1989, and from 1990 to begin rearmament of anti-aircraft missile divisions (one each year).

The Air Force construction program also provides for the continuation of deliveries of C-130H transport aircraft from the United States (for the 401st squadron of the transport air wing), the number of which is planned to be increased to 14 units by the end of 1990.

It is planned to expand the capabilities of the airspace control system by increasing the number of E-2C Hokai AWACS aircraft (up to 12), which, according to Japanese experts, will make it possible to move to round-the-clock combat duty. In addition, by 1989, it is planned to complete the modernization of the automated control system by forces and means of the Badge air defense system, as a result of which the level of automation of the processes of collecting and processing data on the air situation necessary for managing active air defense forces will significantly increase. The re-equipment of air defense radar posts with modern Japanese-made three-dimensional radars will continue.

Other activities are also being carried out aimed at the further development of the country's air force. In particular, R&D continues to select a new combat aircraft, which should replace the tactical fighter in the 90s, the feasibility of adopting tanker aircraft and AWACS and control aircraft into service with the Air Force is being studied.

Colonel V. Samsonov

Origin and pre-war development Japanese aviation

Back in April 1891, one enterprising Japanese Chihachi Ninomiya successfully launched models with a rubber motor. He later designed large model driven by a clock mechanism on a push screw. The model flew successfully. But the Japanese army showed little interest in it, and Ninomiya abandoned his experiments.

On December 19, 1910, Farman and Grande aircraft made their first flights in Japan. Thus began the era of heavier-than-air aircraft in Japan. A year later, one of the first Japanese pilots, Captain Tokigwa, designed an improved version of Farmaya, which was built by the aeronautical unit in Nakano near Tokyo, and which became the first aircraft produced in Japan.

Following the acquisition of several types of foreign aircraft and the production of their improved copies, the first aircraft of original design was built in 1916 - the Yokoso-type flying boat, designed by First Lieutenant Chikuhe Nakajima and Second Lieutenant Kishichi Magoshi.

The big three of the Japanese aviation industry - Mitsubishi, Nakajima and Kawasaki - began operations in the late 1910s. Mitsubishi and Kawasaki were previously heavy industrial enterprises, and Nakajima was backed by the influential Mitsui family.

Over the next fifteen years, these companies produced exclusively foreign-designed aircraft - mainly French, English and German models. At the same time, Japanese specialists underwent training and internships at enterprises and higher engineering schools in the United States. However, by the early 1930s, the Japanese army and navy came to the conclusion that it was time for the aviation industry to stand on its own feet. It was decided that in the future only aircraft and engines of our own design would be accepted into service. This, however, did not stop the practice of purchasing foreign aircraft to familiarize themselves with the latest technical innovations. The basis for the development of Japan’s own aviation was the creation of aluminum production facilities in the early 30s, which made it possible to produce 19 thousand tons annually by 1932. "winged metal"

By 1936, this policy had yielded certain results - the Japanese independently designed twin-engine bombers Mitsubishi Ki-21 and SZM1, reconnaissance aircraft Mitsubishi Ki-15, carrier-based bomber Nakajima B51CH1 and carrier-based fighter Mitsubishi A5M1 - all equivalent or even superior to foreign models.

Beginning in 1937, as soon as the “second Sino-Japanese conflict” broke out, the Japanese aviation industry closed itself with a veil of secrecy and sharply increased aircraft production. In 1938, a law was passed requiring the establishment of state control over all aviation companies with a capital of more than three million yen, the government controlled production plans, technology and equipment. The law protected such companies - they were exempt from taxes on profits and capital, and their export obligations were guaranteed.

In March 1941, the aviation industry received another impetus in its development - the imperial fleet and army decided to expand orders to a number of companies. The Japanese government could not provide funds to expand production, but guaranteed loans from private banks. Moreover, the navy and army, which had production equipment at their disposal, rented it out to various aviation companies depending on their own needs. However, army equipment was not suitable for the production of naval products and vice versa.

During the same period, the Army and Navy established standards and procedures for accepting all types of aviation materials. A staff of technicians and inspectors monitored production and compliance with standards. These officers also exercised control over the management of the firms.

If you look at the dynamics of production in the Japanese aircraft industry, you can note that from 1931 to 1936, aircraft production increased three times, and from 1936 to 1941 - four times!

With the start of the war on Pacific Ocean these Army and Navy services also participated in production expansion programs. Since the navy and army issued orders independently, the interests of the parties sometimes collided. What was missing was interaction, and, as might be expected, the complexity of production only increased from this.

Already in the second half of 1941, problems with the supply of materials became more complicated. Moreover, the shortage immediately became quite acute, and the issues of distribution of raw materials were constantly becoming more complicated. As a result, the army and navy established their own control over raw materials depending on their spheres of influence. Raw materials were divided into two categories: materials for production and materials for expansion of production. Using a production plan for next year, headquarters distributed raw materials according to the requirements of manufacturers. Orders for components and assemblies (for spare parts and for production) were received by manufacturers directly from headquarters.

Problems with raw materials were complicated by constant shortages work force Moreover, neither the navy nor the army were involved in the management and distribution of labor. Manufacturers themselves recruited and trained personnel as best they could. Moreover, with astonishing shortsightedness, the armed forces constantly called up civilian workers in ways completely inconsistent with their qualifications or production needs.

In order to unify the production of military products and expand aircraft production, in November 1943 the Japanese government created the Ministry of Supply, which was in charge of all production issues, including labor reserves and the distribution of raw materials.

To coordinate the work of the aviation industry, the Ministry of Supply has established a certain system for developing a production plan. The General Staff, based on the current military situation, determined the needs for military equipment and sent them to the naval and War Ministry, which, after approval, sent them for approval to the ministries, as well as to the corresponding naval and army general headquarters. Next, the ministries coordinated this program with manufacturers, determining the needs for capacity, materials, human resources and equipment. Manufacturers determined their capabilities and sent a protocol of approval to the ministries of the navy and army. Ministries and general staffs Together they determined a monthly plan for each manufacturer, which they sent to the Ministry of Supply.

Table 2. Aviation production in Japan during the Second World War

	1941	1942	1943	1944	1945
Fighters	1080	2935	7147	13811	5474
Bombers	1461	2433	4189	5100	1934
Scouts	639	967	2070	2147	855
Educational	1489	2171	2871	6147	2523
Others (flying boats, transport, gliders, etc.)	419	355	416	975	280
Total	5088	8861	16693	28180	11066
Engines	12151	16999	28541	46526	12360
Screws	12621	22362	31703	54452	19922

For production purposes, aircraft components and parts were divided into three classes: controlled, distributed by the government, and supplied by the government. “Controlled materials” (bolts, springs, rivets, etc.) were produced under government control, but distributed according to manufacturers' orders. Government-distributed components (radiators, pumps, carburetors, etc.) were produced according to special plans by a number of subsidiaries for delivery to aircraft and aircraft engine manufacturers directly to the latter's assembly lines. Government-supplied components and parts (wheels, weapons, radio equipment, etc. .p.) were ordered directly by the government and delivered as directed by the latter.

By the time the Ministry of Supply was formed, an order was received to stop the construction of new aviation facilities. It was obvious that there was enough capacity, and the main thing was to increase the efficiency of existing production. To strengthen control and management in production, they were represented by numerous inspectors from the Ministry of Trade and Industry and observers from the navy and army, who were at the disposal of the regional centers of the Ministry of Supply.

Contrary to this rather impartial system of production control, the army and navy did their best to maintain their special influence, sending their own observers to aircraft, engine and related industries, and also did everything to maintain their influence in those factories that were already under their control . In terms of the production of weapons, spare parts and materials, the navy and army created their own capacities, without even informing the Ministry of Supply.

Despite the hostility between the navy and the army, as well as the difficult conditions under which the Ministry of Supply operated, the Japanese aviation industry was able to continuously increase aircraft production from 1941 to 1944. In particular, in 1944, production at controlled factories alone increased by 69 percent compared to the previous year. Engine production increased by 63 percent, propellers by 70 percent.

Despite these impressive successes, it was still not enough to counter the enormous power of Japan's opponents. Between 1941 and 1945, the United States produced more aircraft than Germany and Japan combined.

Table 3 Aircraft production in some countries of the warring parties

	1941	1942	1943	1944	Total
Japan	5088	8861	16693	28180	58822
Germany	11766	15556	25527	39807	92656
USA	19433	49445	92196	100752	261826

The twentieth century was a period of intensive development of military aviation in many European countries. The reason for its appearance was the need of states for air and missile defense of economic and political centers. The development of combat aviation was observed not only in Europe. The twentieth century was a time of increasing the power of the Air Force, which also sought to protect itself and strategic and nationally important facilities.

How it all began? Japan in 1891-1910

In 1891, the first flying machines were launched in Japan. These were models using rubber motors. Over time, a larger one was created, the design of which had a drive and a pusher screw. But the Japanese Air Force was not interested in this product. The birth of aviation occurred in 1910, after the acquisition of Farman and Grande aircraft.

1914 First air battle

The first attempts to use Japanese combat aircraft were made in September 1914. At this time, the army of the Land of the Rising Sun, together with England and France, opposed the Germans stationed in China. A year before these events, the Japanese Air Force acquired two two-seat Nieuport NG aircraft and one three-seat Nieuport NM aircraft manufactured in 1910 for training purposes. Soon these air units began to be used for combat. In 1913, the Japanese Air Force had at its disposal four Farman aircraft, which were designed for reconnaissance. Over time, they began to be used to carry out air strikes against the enemy.

In 1914, German aircraft attacked the fleet at Tsingatao. Germany at that time used one of its best aircraft - the Taub. During this military campaign, Japanese Air Force aircraft flew 86 missions and dropped 44 bombs.

1916-1930. Activities of manufacturing companies

At this time, the Japanese companies Kawasaki, Nakajima and Mitsubishi were developing a unique flying boat, Yokoso. Since 1916, Japanese manufacturers have been creating designs of the best aircraft models Germany, France and England. This state of affairs lasted for fifteen years. Since 1930, companies began producing aircraft for the Japanese Air Force. Today this state is one of the ten most powerful armies in the world.

Domestic developments

By 1936, the first aircraft were designed by the Japanese manufacturing companies Kawasaki, Nakajima and Mitsubishi. The Japanese Air Force already had twin-engine bombers domestic production G3M1 and Ki-21, reconnaissance aircraft Ki-15 and A5M1 fighters. In 1937, the conflict between Japan and China flared up again. This entailed Japan's privatization of large industrial enterprises and restoration of state control over them.