Mitsubishi H-60

SH-60J/K Seahawk
UH-60J/JA Black Hawk
A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk helicopter from JDS Haruna lands onboard USS Russell in 2007.
Role ASW/SAR helicopter
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
First flight 31 August 1987
Introduction 1991
Status In service
Primary user Japan Self-Defense Forces
Number built 178
Developed from Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

The Mitsubishi H-60 series is twin-turboshaft engine helicopter based on the Sikorsky S-70 helicopter family for use by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). The SH-60J/K are anti-submarine patrol version for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).[1] The UH-60J is a search and rescue version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and JMSDF. The UH-60JA is a utility version for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).[2]

Design and development

SH-60J

The JMSDF chose SH-60B Seahawk as the successor of the Mitsubishi HSS-2A/B Sea King. The Japan Defense Agency acquired a S-70B-2 from Sikorsky for study in 1985. The Defense Agency was going to develop LAMPS Mk III for Japan, but it was declined by the United States, and most avionics sets were developed in the Technical Research and Development Institute.[3] The Defense Agency ordered two XSH-60Js from Sikorsky for $27 million. Their first flights were on 31 August and in October 1987. The Defense Agency designated the model SH-60J. They were fitted with Japanese avionics systems and tested by the JMSDF.[4]

The SH-60J is built in Japan under license from Sikorsky. It began deliveries in August 1991 and entered service thereafter. Based on a concept of the JMSDF, HQS-103 Dipping Sonar, HPS-104 active electronically scanned array Search Radar, and HLR-108 ESM System equipment of the avionics of SH-60B be different.[3] The engine is the GE/IHI T700-IHI-701C turboshaft, which Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries produced under license. It is a hybrid of SH-60B and SH-60F, except for avionics. The crew includes a pilot, copilot and sensor operator. The copilot can concentrate on the role of Tactical Coordinator with the help of the Automatic Flight Management System and Inertial Navigation system.[5][6] Over 100 SH-60Js have been produced by 2007.[7]

SH-60K

A JMSDF SH-60K, 21st Squadron

The SH-60K is an upgraded version of the SH-60J.[8] The SH-60K anti-submarine helicopter which strengthened performance and versatility for the JMSDF. Mitsubishi began development in 1997. The SH-60K has formerly known as SH-60Kai.[9] The Director General of the Defense Agency admitted adoption in March 2005.[10]

Mitsubishi developed new main rotor blade, Ship Landing Assist System, new avionics system, and other systems. Two prototypes SH-60Ks were built by modifying SH-60Js. These prototypes were completed and delivered by June 2002. The SH-60K's cabin was expanded in length by 30 cm (11.8 in) and in height by 15 cm (5.91 in) compared to the SH-60J.[10] The larger cabin allows for the new avionics system.[11] Those and the airframe changes are compensated by the exchange of the T700-IHI-401C2 engine. The first production SH-60K was delivered to JMSDF on 10 August 2005.[10] A total of 50 SH-60Ks are being supplied under new production.[9]

UH-60J

A JASDF UH-60J, Training Squadron

In 1988, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force choose the UH-60L to replace its KV-107 and Sikorsky S-62 helicopters.[12][13] The first aircraft was built by Sikorsky, with the company designation S-70A-12, and two more were assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.[2][14] Mitsubishi is producing the remaining UH-60Js under license.[15][16] The Japan Marine Self-Defense Force also chose Search and rescue, and utility helicopters to replace the S-61A in 1989.

The UH-60J is powered by T700 engines license-built by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries in Japan. It features external fuel tanks, an external rescue winch, a Japan-built radar, a FLIR turret in the nose and bubble side windows for observers.[13] The Japan Air Self-Defense Force machines were fitted with T700-IHI-701A engines, while Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force machines were fitted with marinized T700-IHI-401C engines.[14] Fuel tanks can be attached to pylons on stub wings. The UH-60Js began deliveries in 1991 and entered service in 1992.[17] A total of 40 UH-60Js were in service in 2010. The JASDF ordered 40 newer UH-60Js in December 2010 to begin replacing older UH-60Js.[18]

Mitsubishi and Sikorsky have teamed in support of the Self Defense Force's mission requirements. The UH-60J+ incorporates various upgrades for the modern SAR mission.[19] By 2006 Defense budget of Japan, UH-60Js begin addition of Refueling probe in 2009.[20] These UH-60Js completed training with the United States Air Force and widened their activity in SAR mission.[21]

UH-60JA

A JGSDF UH-60JA, Kasumigaura Aviation School

The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ordered a utility variant of the UH-60L designated UH-60JA in 1995.[17] The JGSDF began receiving the UH-60JA in 1997.[2] It features improved avionics, including FLIR, Color weather radar, GPS receiver, a Night Vision Goggle compatible cockpit and wire cutter.[14][17] The JGSDF plans to acquire 70.[22]

The JGSDF plan was to replace its UH-1H helicopters which became obsolete. Due to budgetary constraints it was decided to replace the rotary wing fleet with a high-low combination of UH-60JA and UH-1J (an updated UH-1H) with the UH-60JA being the high and the UH-1J the low.[23] By 2004 the budgetary constraints have driven the JGSDF to seriously consider eliminating either the UH-60JA or the UH-1J from the fleet, and purchasing just one type of airframe for the utility mission.[24]

Variants

A JMSDF UH-60J lands aboard USS Fitzgerald
A JASDF UH-60J, Hyakuri Air Rescue Wing

Operators

 Japan

Specifications (SH-60J)

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

Notes
  1. 1 2 Mitsubishi SH-60J. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 10 December 2008
  2. 1 2 3 Mitsubishi UH-60J. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 15 March 2010.
  3. 1 2 Goebel, Greg. Sikorsky S-70B Seahawk / Variant, Air Vector, vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009.
  4. ↑ "Sikorsky SH-60B". All the World's Rotorcraft. Jane's Information Group, 2010. subscription article dated 1 February 2010.
  5. ↑ "AFMS controller for the SH-60J". Jane's Avionics. Jane's Information Group, 24 January 2007. Retrieved: 18 December 2008.
  6. ↑ "Strapdown Attitude and Heading Reference System for the SH-60J". Jane's Avionics. Jane's Information Group, 24 January 2007. Retrieved: 18 December 2008.
  7. ↑ Leoni 2007, p. 280.
  8. 1 2 Mitsubishi SH-60K, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved on 10 December 2008.
  9. 1 2 "Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade". Jane's, 11 June 2008.
  10. 1 2 3 Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. "Development of SH-60K Patrol Helicopter" (PDF). Technical Review Vol. 42 No. 5 (Dec. 2005). Retrieved 6 January 2009.
  11. ↑ Goebel, Greg. "Seahawk in Foreign Service". Vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009.
  12. 1 2 Leoni 2007, p. 282.
  13. 1 2 3 Bishop 2008, p. 40.
  14. 1 2 3 Goebel, Greg. Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk. Vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009. Retrieved: 21 December 2010.
  15. ↑ "Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) UH-60J". Jane's Helicopter Markets and Systems. Jane's Information Group, 2009. subscription article, dated 16 November 2009.
  16. ↑ "Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) UH-60 (Japan)". Section Aircraft - Rotary-wing - Military, Jane's All the World's Aircraft. Jane's Information Group, 27 January 2010. Retrieved: 24 September 2010.
  17. 1 2 3 Bishop 2008, p. 41.
  18. ↑ Waldron, Greg. "Mitsubishi wins $2.3bn deal for 40 UH-60Js". Flight International, 9 December 2010.
  19. ↑ Sikorsky Frontlines Q1 2009. Sikorsky, Q1 2009. Retrieved: 21 December 2009.
  20. ↑ "Section 3. Mid-Term Defense Program". Annual White Paper, DEFENSE OF JAPAN 2008. Japan Ministry of Defense. Retrieved: 4 August 2010.
  21. ↑ Angelique Perez. "33RQS helicopter pilots give air refueling training to JASDF". US Air Force Kadena Air Base, 2 April 2009. Retrieved: 15 March 2010.
  22. 1 2 Leoni 2007, pp. 282-283.
  23. ↑ "Japan's new utility helicopter makes debut". Jane's Information Group, 29 September 1999. Retrieved: 11 August 2010.
  24. ↑ Sobie, Brendan. "Japan rethinks helicopter needs". Flight International, 16 March 2004. Retrieved: 11 August 2010.
  25. ↑ "Mitsubishi-Sikorsky UH-60 BlackHawk / SH-60 SeaHawk". HIKOTAI.net. Retrieved 2010-12-22.
  26. 1 2 3 "Directory: World Air Forces". Flight International, 11–17 November 2008.
Bibliography

External links

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