Army and navy contest delayed, but coastguard requirement set to move ahead
Japan has delayed competitions for new search and rescue (SAR) helicopters for the air force and navy, but is expected to move forward with selecting a new SAR helicopter for the coastguard.
Replacement of the Mitsubishi-built Sikorsky UH-60J has been excluded from Japan's new five-year budget plan, pushing back the acquisition until at least 2010. Tokyo was considering launching separate competitions to replace its air force and navy UH-60Js in 2006-7, but budget constraints have pushed the planned acquisition beyond its 2005-10 budget plan.
In anticipation of the competitions, Mitsubishi last year began discussing with Sikorsky developing a new variant of the UH-60 and potentially offering the US company's S-92 should either service require a larger aircraft. Seeking to enter the navy competition, NH Industries also last year appointed a Japanese agent for the NH90. The Kawasaki-built AgustaWestland EH101 is considered the early favourite for the navy competition because it is already being acquired for the service's 11-aircraft minesweeping requirement, but the air force is expected to opt for a smaller aircraft.
The EH101 and S-92 are also vying for a more near-term requirement for a new coastguard helicopter. The coastguard is expected to select a new large helicopter within the next two years and initially purchase two or three aircraft, although several more may be acquired later. Industry sources say the coastguard favours the S-92, but will have to hold a competition and could be pressed to buy the EH101 if Kawasaki offers an attractive price.
Japan's coastguard has an ageing fleet of Bell 212/412 and Eurocopter AS332 Super Puma helicopters and has also been evaluating the Bell/Agusta AB139 and Sikorsky S-76 for a separate 20-aircraft requirement. An initial contract for two to three helicopters is expected after a decision on the larger aircraft. The NH90 and UH-60 are not being considered since they do not hold civil certification in Japan.
BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Source: Flight International
