The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Power (JMSDF) will obtain extra MCH-101 naval helicopters in a newly-signed settlement between Leonardo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI).
The service at present operates 10 MCH-101s for troop transport and mine countermeasure missions.
In line with KHI official Kenya Takaha, the extra helicopters will characteristic the most recent specs, together with an improved avionics configuration, for elevated operational effectiveness.
“We’re proud that Japan’s MCH-101 program was in a position to launch extra procurement… Japan, the UK, and Italy all have this wonderful platform,” he stated.
“We anticipate that there could also be frequent operational necessities in every nation, and the introduction of frequent gear on the platform can successfully contribute to strengthening the protection capabilities of every nation.”
The exact variety of naval helicopters below order is but to be disclosed.
Concerning the MCH-101
The MHC-101 is a license-built model of Leonardo’s AW101 medium-lift helicopter.
It’s used primarily for airborne mine countermeasures due to its capacity to tow the AN/AQS-24A high-speed mine looking system.
The chopper was commissioned by the JMSDF in 2016 and has accrued greater than 25,000 flight hours.
One in every of its distinctive options is the three-engine configuration that permits it to carry out protected operations at low altitudes and sluggish speeds.
Aside from offering extra MCH-101s, the settlement between KHI and Leonardo covers the mid-life replace of the plane.
The Japanese protection producer will reportedly function the prime contractor, whereas its Italian companion will present technical help.
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