Built Under License From AgustaWestland

AgustaWestland told ANN Monday that Kawasaki has delivered first ever license-built EH101 helicopter to the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF). The aircraft was accepted by the customer on March 23 at Kawasaki Aerospace's Gifu plant in Japan.

The aircraft is the second MCH101 to be delivered to the JMSDF, and the first assembled at AgustaWestland's Yeovil facility prior to delivery to Kawasaki for customization and completion.

"We are delighted that this aircraft is being delivered on schedule as a result of great teamwork between Kawasaki and AgustaWestland," said Alan Johnston, Managing Director AgustaWestland. "The delivery of the first license-built EH101 marks the start of a new chapter in the EH101 program which will see Kawasaki increasing its MCH101 manufacturing and support capabilities."

AgustaWestland and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) signed a licence and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and support the Japanese MCH101s. KHI has now established manufacturing, test flight and support facilities at its Gifu works in Japan.

As Aero-News reported, 14 utility rear-ramped variants of the EH101 have been selected to replace the JMSDF's fleet of Sikorsky MH-53Es and S-61s in the airborne mine countermeasures and Antarctic support roles respectively. Assembly of the third aircraft is underway in Japan and the remaining 11 aircraft kits will be prepared by AgustaWestland in the Europe for final assembly by Kawasaki in Japan.

In addition to the JMSDF MCH101s there are now over 120 aircraft in service with the armed forces of  the UK, Italy, Denmark, Portugal and Canada.

AgustaWestland states its presence in Japan continues to grow, with the success of not only the EH101 but also its A109 Power and AW139 helicopters in the commercial and government agency markets.

FMI: www.agustawestland.com