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 Light Airborne Multi-Purpose System (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
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