The first of 14 EH101 medium-lift helicopters destined for the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force has been shipped from AgustaWestland's Yeovil plant this week.
The aircraft will be fitted out and completed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) at its Gifu works prior to delivery in early 2006. AgustaWestland says the aircraft has been shipped three weeks ahead of schedule.
Designated KHI-01, the aircraft is designed to meet Japan's transportation, Airborne Anti-Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) and Antarctic survey requirements.
Licence
AgustaWestland and KHI signed a licence and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and support the Japanese EH101s. KHI is establishing manufacturing, test flight and support facilities at its Gifu works in Japan. Fourteen utility Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-powered variants of the EH101 have been selected to replace the existing fleet of Sikorsky MH-53Es and S-61s.
Aircraft kits for the remaining 13 aircraft will be prepared by AgustaWestland in the UK with final assembly taking place in Japan.
The aircraft will be fitted out and completed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) at its Gifu works prior to delivery in early 2006. AgustaWestland says the aircraft has been shipped three weeks ahead of schedule.
Designated KHI-01, the aircraft is designed to meet Japan's transportation, Airborne Anti-Mine Counter Measures (AMCM) and Antarctic survey requirements.
Licence
AgustaWestland and KHI signed a licence and purchase agreement in 2003 to produce and support the Japanese EH101s. KHI is establishing manufacturing, test flight and support facilities at its Gifu works in Japan. Fourteen utility Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322-powered variants of the EH101 have been selected to replace the existing fleet of Sikorsky MH-53Es and S-61s.
Aircraft kits for the remaining 13 aircraft will be prepared by AgustaWestland in the UK with final assembly taking place in Japan.
Source: Flight Daily News
