Paul Lewis/SINGAPORE

JAPAN'S TECHNICAL Research and Development Institute (TRDI) is seeking initial funding in 1997 to begin work on an upgrade of the Mitsubishi/Sikorsky SH-60J naval helicopter.

The Defence Agency institute has requested an 8.8% budget increase for the next fiscal year. Its ´178.5 billion ($1.6 billion) wish list for 1997 contains ´1.8 billion for the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force's (JMSDF) SH-60J Kai programme.

Planned modifications to the helicopter will include fitting a composite main-rotor hub and blades, an active sonar with tactical information processing and display and new laser-based approach-and-landing aid for ship- board operations.

The reported ´40 billion SH-60J Kai upgrade also calls for the addition of an inverse synthetic-aperture radar, forward-looking infra-red (FLIR) imager, electronic-support measures, chaff-and-flare dispenser and anti-ship missiles. Topping the list of the TRDI's budget request for 1997, is ´29.3 billion for continued development of an indigenous surface-to-air missile (SAM) system to replace the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force's existing Raytheon Hawk system.

The medium-range SAM is being developed by Mitsubishi and Toshiba, under a seven-year programme launched in 1996 at a cost of ´128 billion. The missile is being designed to deal with multiple threats, and it will have an anti-missile capability. It is planned to enter service in 2003.

TRDI is also proposing to allocate a further ´6.4 billion to develop an upgraded version of the Shinmaywa Industries US-1A amphibian. The programme was launched in 1996 and is expected take eight years to complete at a total cost of ´66 billion.

The US-1A Kai upgrade will involve re-engineing the aircraft with Allison AE2100 turboprops, installing a fly-by-wire flight-control system, fitting digital cockpit displays and pressurising the hull for improved performance (Flight International, 9-15 August 1995).

Other major line items include ´9 billion for the continuing construction of the Chitose aerodynamic and power plant research centre. A further ´3.7 billion is allocated for Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries' thrust-vectoring XF3-400 fighter demonstrator-engine, with ´4.3 billion to begin work on the new Kawasaki XATM-5 light anti-tank missile.

Source: Flight International