Andrzej Jeziorski/SINGAPORE
The Japanese Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF) is studying the use of the OH-1 airframe as a basis for its AH-X future attack helicopter programme, the schedule for which has slipped again.
According to Japanese defence sources, the OH-1 could be modified to become a replacement for the JGSDF fleet of 84 Fuji-Bell AH-1S attack helicopters, based on the Bell AH-1F Hueycobra. Modifications would be required to the helicopter's fuselage and engines to create the anti-tank dedicated OH-1-Kai.
The study reverses indications from the Japan Defence Agency (JDA) last September, when it issued AH-X requests for proposals (RFPs) to foreign airframe and engine manufacturers earlier than expected. At the time, the RFP was taken as a sign that a type selection could take place as early as mid-1999 instead of the previously expected schedule of 2001/2.
With the current study, however, the JDA looks unlikely to select its AH-1S successor until about 2003. The AH-1S helicopters are expected to be phased out, beginning in 2006.
The feasibility study could lead to the modification of an OH-1 to an OH-1-Kai flight demonstrator in time to place production funds in the 2004 budget.
A positive verdict from the study would lead to development funding in the fiscal year 2000-1 budget.
If the study shows that the OH-1-Kai is not feasible, potential AH-X candidates are a licence-built version of the Boeing AH-64D Apache Longbow, powered by General Electric T700 or Rolls-Royce/Turboméca RTM322 engines; the Bell AH-1Z Super Cobra - being proposed by Fuji Heavy Industries; or the Eurocopter Tiger, backed by Marubeni.
Last September's RFP asked for pricing on 100 helicopters and up to 300 turboshaft engines, including spares. The JDA has been struggling in the face of a shrinking defence budget and a weakened currency.
Source: Flight International
