Maritime Self-Defence Force receives first of 11 helicopters for minesweeping
Japan’s Maritime Self-Defence Force received its first MCH101 helicopter from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) at the company’s Gifu works on 3 March. A development of AgustaWestland’s EH101, the MCH101 is being modified by KHI for airborne mine countermeasures duties, with the type eventually to replace Japan’s Sikorksy MH-53Es.
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Japan's unique MCH101 configuration will eventually include 35% national content |
The navy plans to purchase 14 aircraft, including three configured for Antarctic support missions and designated CH101s. Manufactured at AgustaWestland’s Yeovil plant in the UK, the first KHI-completed MCH101 has 25% Japanese content, which will increase to 35% with a second aircraft now being assembled in Gifu. This is set for delivery at the end of the first quarter of next year, with the navy’s first CH101 to follow in the second quarter of 2007. The MCH101s will initially be used in the utility transport role while their mission equipment completes development.
Japanese content on the MCH101 includes airframe components and Rolls-Royce Turbomeca RTM322 engines licence-produced at KHI’s Akashi site. The navy also requires the national supply of logistics support, maintenance and repair services.
The MCH101 features a rear ramp to be used during the deployment of minesweeping equipment, automated blade and tail-fold equipment and large rear-view mirrors mounted in front of the cockpit.
SEIJI HIROKAWA / GIFU
Source: Flight International
