8/30/1962: Maiden Flight of the NAMC YS-11

Today, in 1962, the first prototype of the Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC) YS-11 made its maiden flight.

The twin-turboprop was Japan's first domestically developed transport aircraft after World War II. A government-backed research group began the basic design in 1957, after which NAMC completed the aircraft's basic and detailed design. Japanese manufacturers, including Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, shared production work, according to the Japan Aeronautic Association's history of the program.

Development and Certification

The YS-11 was designed for 60 to 64 passengers and powered by two Rolls-Royce Dart turboprop engines, according to the National Museum of Nature and Science.

Flight testing exposed stability and control-effectiveness problems. Engineers addressed them through changes that included revising the wing's dihedral. Japan's Transport Ministry issued the type certificate in August 1964.

All Nippon Airways NAMC YS-11 JA8772 at Tokyo-Haneda in 1976 — All Nippon Airways NAMC YS-11 JA8772 at Tokyo-Haneda on June 14, 1976. Photo: Clint Groves/GFDL 1.2

Production and Airline Service

The YS-11 found customers in Japan and overseas. Production ended after 182 aircraft, including two prototypes, according to the Japan Aeronautic Association.

Piedmont Airlines NAMC YS-11A N254P at Washington National Airport in 1972 — Piedmont Airlines NAMC YS-11A N254P at Washington National Airport on April 13, 1972. Photo: RuthAS/CC BY 3.0

Japan Air Commuter began its first scheduled YS-11 route, between Kagoshima and Okinoerabu, on July 19, 1988. The carrier operated its final YS-11 flight on September 30, 2006.

Featured image: Japan Air Commuter NAMC YS-11 JA8717 at Kagoshima Airport on July 15, 2005. Photo: Shacho0822/CC BY-SA 3.0; cropped.