Mon, Mar 26, 2007
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.
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