Sikorsky says JMSDF has decided on EH101

The Sikorsky S-92 was not entered in a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) competition for 14 helicopters because "the customer had already decided what they wanted", claims a Sikorsky official, who believes the US manufacturer could "probably meet 95% of the mission requirements". The decision by Sikorsky and local partner Mitsubishi leaves AgustaWestland offering the EH101 as the sole contender to win an initial two-aircraft order expected by the end of next month. Counting against the S-92 was the EH-101's higher operating weight and its superior engine-out performance, and it "works against us that we don't have a US military customer", says the Sikorsky official.

Source: Flight International