YS-11T-A

The YS‑11T‑A is a turboprop transport version of the classic YS‑11 series, produced by Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC) in the early 1970s. Building on the success of the original YS‑11, which was Japan’s first post‑war commercial airliner, the T‑A model incorporated a more powerful Allison 501‑D13 turboprop engine, a strengthened airframe, and upgraded avionics to meet demanding cargo and short‑haul airline requirements. First flown on 14 March 1972, the YS‑11T‑A entered service with Japanese civil operators and the Japan Air Self‑Defense Force, where it performed troop transport, medical evacuation and logistical support missions throughout the Cold War era. Its high‑wing configuration, rugged landing gear and generous payload capacity of up to 5,500 kg allowed operations from unpaved runways in remote islands and mountainous regions, a capability valued by both commercial and military users. Although only a limited number were built—around 30 units—the YS‑11T‑A demonstrated NAMC’s ability to evolve a domestic design into a versatile utility aircraft, paving the way for later Japanese aerospace projects and establishing a legacy of reliable, short‑range turboprop performance in the Asia‑Pacific market. The aircraft served well into the 1990s, cementing its reputation.