YS-11EB

The YS‑11EB is a later variant of Japan’s first domestically‑designed and built turboprop airliner, produced by Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC) in the 1960s and early 1970s. While the original YS‑11 entered service in 1965 as a 60‑seat regional transport, the EB model was introduced in 1970 as a dedicated cargo‑conversion and utility version. It featured reinforced floor beams, a large rear cargo door, and a strengthened under‑carriage to accommodate heavy freight loads. The powerplant remained the twin Allison 250‑B17D turboprop engines, delivering 2,500 shp each, providing reliable short‑field performance and a maximum cruise speed of roughly 480 km/h. The EB retained the high‑wing configuration and rugged landing gear that made the YS‑11 popular on remote islands and unpaved strips throughout Japan’s archipelago. Over 150 units were produced, many of which were operated by the Japanese Self‑Defense Forces, Nippon Cargo Airlines, and various civilian operators for freight, aerial survey, and maritime patrol missions. The YS‑11EB demonstrated Japan’s capability to develop versatile, home‑grown aircraft, paving the way for later aerospace projects and solidifying the YS‑11 family’s lasting legacy in regional aviation.