Fri, Dec 10, 2010
New Helos To Be Phased Into Service Over 20 Years
Japan's Ministry of Defense has selected Mitsubishi Heavy
Industries' (MHI) proposal to supply the Japan Air Self-Defense
Force (JASDF) with a new fleet of advanced UH-60J search and rescue
helicopters. The aircraft will be produced under license from
Sikorsky.
The new fleet will replace 40 MHI-built UH-60J search and rescue
helicopters currently in operation with the JASDF since 1991. The
new aircraft will be phased into service over 20 years. Over the
life of the program, MHI is expected to receive a total of 190
billion yen (approx. $2.3 billion) from the Japan Ministry of
Defense for all 40 new-generation UH-60J helicopters, including 20
years of logistics support. "The new-generation UH-60J helicopter
will bring to Japan's Air Self-Defense Force the proven performance
attributes of the legacy platform in a new airframe with
significant advanced capabilities to support humanitarian relief
and rescue missions," said John Pacelli, Sikorsky Vice President of
International Government Programs. "Congratulations to MHI for
prevailing against a strong field of competitors for this important
mission capability."
A removable aerial refueling probe is among the principal
improvements developed by MHI for the upgraded UH-60J helicopter.
The probe will enable all of the new UH-60J aircraft to refuel from
tanker aircraft while airborne. Other modern updates include
satellite communications and a collision avoidance system.
UH-60 File Photo
The UH-60J helicopter contract was the first comprehensive
evaluation bid process conducted by the Ministry for a significant
defense item. The new selection process was directed by the
Japanese Government to foster more transparency and fairness during
the procurement of major weapon systems.
MHI has built 226 Sikorsky H-60 series aircraft under license
with Sikorsky for exclusive use by the Japan Ministry of Defense
since 1988. Aircraft include the UH-60JA helicopter for ground
forces utility operations, and the SH-60J/K anti-submarine patrol
helicopter.
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