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Mitsubishi H-60

The Mitsubishi H-60 series is a twin-turboshaft engine helicopter based on the Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter family for use by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).[1]

H-60
A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk helicopter from JDS Haruna lands on board USS Russell in 2007.
Role ASW/SAR helicopter
National origin Japan
United States
Manufacturer Sikorsky Aircraft
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
First flight 31 August 1987
Introduction 1991
Status In service
Primary user Japan Self-Defense Forces
Number built Over 250
Developed from Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk
Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk

The SH-60J/K/L are anti-submarine patrol versions for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).[2] 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).[3]

Design and development

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SH-60J

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The JMSDF chose S-70B as the successor to the Mitsubishi HSS-2B Sea King (a licence-built version of the Sikorsky Sea King). When the SH-X (later SH-60J) project started, it was immediately after HSS-2B was put into service, so initially it was planned to integrate a mission system of HSS-2B with a bare aircraft of SH-60B, but finally a system newly developed by the TRDI was adopted. It is similar to LAMPS Mk.III in that the helicopter is equipped with a computer and connected to the mothership's combat direction system via a datalink, but it also has a dipping sonar as well as SH-60F.[4] 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.[5]

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.[4] The engine is the GE/IHI T700-IHI-701C turboshaft, which Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries produced under license from General Electric. It is a hybrid of the 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.[6][7] Over 100 SH-60Js have been produced by 2007.[8]

SH-60K

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A JMSDF SH-60K, 21st Squadron

The SH-60K is an upgraded version of the SH-60J.[9] 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.[10] The Director General of the Defense Agency admitted adoption in March 2005.[11]

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.[11] The larger cabin allows for the new avionics system.[12] 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.[11]

In December 2022, the Japanese government decided to reduce the number of SH-60Ks deployed for maritime patrols and replace some SH-60Ks with Sea Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles. The Japanese government plans to increase its defense budget from 1.24% of GDP in fiscal 2021 to around 2.0% within 10 years, a decision made as part of efforts to use the budget efficiently.[13]

SH-60L

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XSH-60L

A further upgrade version of SH-60K has planned and in development since 2015 under an ATLA contract.[14] It will be equipped with a multi-static sonar system and a new adaptive control millimetric wave ultra-high-speed communication system (Click System) as well as improved engine transmission performance.[15][16]

The first flight of the prototype, XSH-60L, was carried out on May 11, 2021.[17]

UH-60J

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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.[18][19] The first aircraft was built by Sikorsky, with the company designation S-70A-12, and two more were assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.[3][20] Mitsubishi is producing the remaining UH-60Js under license.[21][22] 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.[19] 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.[20] Fuel tanks can be attached to pylons on stub wings. The UH-60Js began deliveries in 1991 and entered service in 1992.[23] 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.[24]

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.[25] By 2006 Defense budget of Japan, UH-60Js begin addition of Refueling probe in 2009.[26] These UH-60Js completed training with the United States Air Force and widened their activity in SAR mission.[27]

In service from December 1991 to July 24, 2024. Future SAR operations would be provided by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard.[28]

UH-60JA

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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.[23] The JGSDF began receiving the UH-60JA in 1997.[3] It features improved avionics, including FLIR, Color weather radar, GPS receiver, a Night Vision Goggle compatible cockpit and wire cutter.[20][23] The JGSDF plans to acquire 70.[29]

The JGSDF plan was to replace its UH-1H helicopters which had become 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.[30] 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.[31]

Variants

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JMSDF UH-60J lands aboard USS Fitzgerald
 
JASDF UH-60J, Hyakuri Air Rescue Wing
 
JMSDF USH-60K #8901 of Air Development Squadron 51
  • S-70B-2: Version purchased from Sikorsky for research by the Defense Agency.　
  • XSH-60J: Prototype for SH-60J. 2 XSH-60Js were exported by Sikorsky.
  • SH-60J: Seahawk version for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force produced by Mitsubishi under licence.[2]
  • UH-60J: Rescue helicopter license produced by Mitsubishi for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.[18][19]
  • UH-60JA: Utility version for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force based on the UH-60J.[29]
  • USH-60K: Among two prototypes, one was redesignated as evaluation type.[32]
  • SH-60K: Improved version of SH-60J. Trial manufacture finished in 2001, and deliveries began in August 2005.[9]
  • SH-60L: Improved version of SH-60K. Development began in 2015, deliveries started in 2022.[33]

Operators

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  Japan

UH-60Js Search and rescue wing.

Accidents

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On 26 August 2017, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60J crashed in the Sea of Japan off Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The helicopter was conducting takeoff and landing drills and had taken off from the destroyer Setogiri. It was based at the JMSDF's Ominato base in Mutsu in Aomori. One crew member was rescued, the other three were missing.[35][36][37] The JMSDF attributed the crash to human error.[38] The wreckage was later discovered at a depth of around 2,600 meters.[39][40] The wreck was salvaged in October and two bodies were found, that of the pilot and co-pilot. One crew member remains missing.[41]

On 17 October 2017, UH-60J 58-4596 of the Air Rescue Wing Hamamatsu Detachment crashed into the sea off Shizuoka Prefecture while conducting night rescue drills. Some wreckage was found but the four crew members were not located.[42][43] Major searches continued with SDF assets with other parts recovered.[44][45] A private salvage company started work from 2 November and located part of the fuselage.[46][47] In November, parts of the aircraft were recovered including the Flight Data Recorder (black box) from a location approximately 31 kilometers south of Hamamatsu Air Base.[48][49] On 29 November the body of one of the crew members was discovered in the wreckage.[50][51]

On 20 April 2024, two SH-60Ks carrying four crew members each crashed near Torishima Island during a nighttime anti-submarine warfare training operation. Contact with the first helicopter was lost at 10:38pm local time (13:38 UTC) with the second one being lost around 11:04pm (14:04 UTC). Japanese defense officials believe it is highly likely that the helicopters collided. Some wreckage, including flight data recorders, a blade from each aircraft, helmets, and other wreckage, were found by rescuers.[52] One crew member is confirmed dead, while the other seven remain missing. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force sent 12 vessels and seven aircraft to aid in search operations. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel offered the United States's support with the search and rescue operation.[53][54] A JMSDF report published in July of that same year stated that the accident was caused by a lack of instructions to the crew from the commanding officers aboard the ships and a failure to keep a lookout and communicate with each other from the helicopers crews side.[55] The same report also stated that all 8 occupants of the helicopters had died in the accident.[55]

Specifications (SH-60J)

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Data from Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-05[56]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

Avionics

  • Japanese HPS-105 search radar
  • Japanese ring laser AHRS
  • Japanese automatic FMS
  • Japanese datalink
  • Japanese tactical processor
  • Japanese display sub-system

See also

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Related development

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

References

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Notes
  1. ^ Mitsubishi UH-60J. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 23 April 2024.
  2. ^ a b Mitsubishi SH-60J Archived 2008-05-03 at the Wayback Machine. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 10 December 2008
  3. ^ a b c Mitsubishi UH-60J Archived 2011-09-27 at the Wayback Machine. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 15 March 2010.
  4. ^ a b Maritime Staff Office, ed. (2003). 海上自衛隊50年史 [History of 50 years of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force] (in Japanese). NCID BA67335381.
  5. ^ "Sikorsky SH-60B", All the World's Rotorcraft, Jane's Information Group, 1 February 2010[permanent dead link‍]
  6. ^ "AFMS controller for the SH-60J". Jane's Avionics. Jane's Information Group, 24 January 2007. Retrieved: 18 December 2008.
  7. ^ "Strapdown Attitude and Heading Reference System for the SH-60J". Jane's Avionics. Jane's Information Group, 24 January 2007. Retrieved: 18 December 2008.
  8. ^ Leoni 2007, p. 280.
  9. ^ a b Mitsubishi SH-60K Archived 2008-12-04 at the Wayback Machine, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved on 10 December 2008.
  10. ^ "Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade". Jane's, 11 June 2008.
  11. ^ a b c Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd (December 2005). "Development of SH-60K Patrol Helicopter" (PDF). Technical Review. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 July 2013. Retrieved 6 January 2009.
  12. ^ Goebel, Greg. "Seahawk in Foreign Service". Vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009.
  13. ^ "Kūji sōsaku-ki ya Rikuji sentō-heri o haishi, mujin-ki de daitai e... bōei yosan kōritsuka" 空自捜索機や陸自戦闘ヘリを廃止、無人機で代替へ…防衛予算効率化 [Japan Self-Defense Air Force and Ground Force to abolish their use of combat helicopters, replace them with drones... to streamline defense budget]. Yomiuri Shimbun (in Japanese). 9 December 2022. Archived from the original on 9 December 2022. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  14. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke (29 December 2023). "Japan completes new SH-60L naval combat helicopter development". Naval News. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  15. ^ "Un'yō kōsō-zu" 運用構想図 [New multipurpose helicopter — Operational Concept Diagram] (PDF). Ministry of Defense of Japan (in Japanese). October 2014. Archived from the original (PDF) on 16 August 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  16. ^ "Denshi sōbi kenkyūjo" 電子装備研究所 [Electronic Equipment Research Institute]. ATLA (in Japanese). 17 June 2019. Archived from the original on 17 June 2019. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  17. ^ Chen, Chuanren (18 May 2021). "Mitsubishi Completes First Flight Of Upgraded SH-60 Helicopter". Aviation Week. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  18. ^ a b Leoni 2007, p. 282.
  19. ^ a b c Bishop 2008, p. 40.
  20. ^ a b c Goebel, Greg. Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk. Vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009. Retrieved: 21 December 2010.
  21. ^ "Mitsubishi wins UH-60J award - UPI.com". UPI. Retrieved 9 May 2023.
  22. ^ "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.
  23. ^ a b c Bishop 2008, p. 41.
  24. ^ Waldron, Greg. "Mitsubishi wins $2.3bn deal for 40 UH-60Js". Flight International, 9 December 2010.
  25. ^ Sikorsky Frontlines Q1 2009 Archived 2012-12-24 at the Wayback Machine. Sikorsky, Q1 2009. Retrieved: 21 December 2009.
  26. ^ Section 3. Mid-Term Defense Program Archived 1 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  27. ^ Angelique Perez. "33RQS helicopter pilots give air refueling training to JASDF". US Air Force Kadena Air Base, 2 April 2009. Retrieved: 15 March 2010.
  28. ^ "Japan Navy retires last UH-60J". Scramble. Anytime Baby Aviation FC2 Blog. Dutch Aviation Society. 22 July 2024. Retrieved 2 August 2024.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: others (link)
  29. ^ a b Leoni 2007, pp. 282–283.
  30. ^ "Japan's new utility helicopter makes debut". Jane's Information Group, 29 September 1999. Retrieved: 11 August 2010.
  31. ^ Sobie, Brendan. "Japan rethinks helicopter needs". Flight International, 16 March 2004. Retrieved: 11 August 2010.
  32. ^ "Mitsubishi-Sikorsky UH-60 BlackHawk / SH-60 SeaHawk". HIKOTAI.net. Archived from the original on 10 March 2012. Retrieved 22 December 2010.
  33. ^ "Update: Japan completes development of SH-60L helicopter". Janes. 27 December 2023. Retrieved 2 August 2024.
  34. ^ a b c Defence of Japan 2022 (Annual White Paper). p.53. Japan Ministry of Defence
  35. ^ "MSDF helicopter crashes in Sea of Japan, 3 aboard missing". Mainichi Shimbun. 27 August 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  36. ^ "MSDF chopper goes down off Aomori; three missing". Japan Times. 27 August 2017. Archived from the original on 26 October 2017.
  37. ^ "Crew member rescued after Japanese Seahawk crashes into sea; 3 still missing". Stars and Stripes. 28 October 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  38. ^ "Human error likely caused Seahawk crash in Sea of Japan, officials say". Stars and Stripes. 11 September 2017. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  39. ^ "MSDF helicopter that crashed in August found on seabed off Aomori Pref". Mainichi Shimbun. 25 October 2017. Archived from the original on 28 October 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  40. ^ Burke, Matthew M. (25 October 2017). "Wreckage of Japanese Seahawk that crashed in summer found at bottom of sea". Stars and Stripes. Retrieved 26 October 2017.
  41. ^ "Wreck of salvaged MSDF chopper off Aomori yields two bodies; search for fourth sailor continues". Japan Times. 27 October 2017. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  42. ^ Takahashi, Kosuke (18 October 2017). "Four JASDF personnel missing following UH-60J helo crash off coast of Shizuoka Prefecture". janes.com. Jane's Information Group. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  43. ^ "Helmets found in waters off Shizuoka Prefecture where ASDF chopper with four aboard apparently crashed". Japan Times. 18 October 2017. Archived from the original on 18 October 2017. Retrieved 27 July 2024.
  44. ^ "Bōei Daijin kisha-kaiken gaiyō" 防衛大臣記者会見概要 [Summary of Defense Minister's Press Conference]. Ministry of Defense of Japan (in Japanese). 20 October 2017. Archived from the original on 11 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  45. ^ "Hamamatsu kyūnan-tai UH-60J, Rikuji heri ga kaigansen sōsaku; mujin tansa-ki de kaichū sōsaku mo kentō" 浜松救難隊UH-60J、陸自ヘリが海岸線捜索 無人探査機で海中捜索も検討 [Hamamatsu Search and Rescue UH-60J, Japan Self-Defense Ground Forces helicopters search coastline; undersea drones under consideration]. FlyTeam (in Japanese). 21 October 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  46. ^ 防衛大臣記者会見概要. mod.go.jp (in Japanese). 11 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  47. ^ "航空自衛隊、11月17日から浜松救難隊UH-60Jの機体引き揚げに着手". flyteam.jp (in Japanese). 20 November 2017. Retrieved 20 November 2017.
  48. ^ "浜松基地所属ヘリ（ＵＨ－６０Ｊ）のレーダー航跡消失について（第４報）" (PDF). mod.go.jp. Japan Ministry of Defense. 26 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  49. ^ "浜松救難隊のUH-60J、海底からフライトデータレコーダーを回収". flyteam.jp. 27 November 2017. Retrieved 28 November 2017.
  50. ^ "浜松基地所属ヘリ（ＵＨ－６０Ｊ）のレーダー航跡消失について（第６報）" (PDF). mod.go.jp. 3 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  51. ^ "浜松救難隊UH-60Jの海中捜索、搭乗員とみられる1名を収容". flyteam.jp. 4 December 2017. Retrieved 4 December 2017.
  52. ^ "2 Japan SDF choppers crash during drill leaving 1 dead, 7 missing". Kyodo News. 21 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  53. ^ Yamaguchi, Mari (21 April 2024). "2 Japanese navy helicopters crash in the Pacific Ocean during training, leaving 1 dead and 7 missing". AP News. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  54. ^ "Search continues for 7 crew after 2 SDF choppers crash in Pacific". Kyodo News. 22 April 2024. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  55. ^ a b "Japan Navy helicopters' fatal crash caused by inadequate instructions to crew, says probe report". AP News. 9 July 2024. Retrieved 14 July 2024.
  56. ^ Jackson, Paul, ed. (2004). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-05 (95th ed.). London: Jane's Publishing Group. pp. 333–334. ISBN 0-7106-2614-2.
  57. ^ Lednicer, David. "The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage". m-selig.ae.illinois.edu. Retrieved 16 April 2019.
  58. ^ "image". wikipedia. Retrieved 2 November 2023.[circular reference]
Bibliography
  • Leoni, Ray D. Black Hawk, The Story of a World Class Helicopter, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. ISBN 978-1-56347-918-2.
  • Bishop, Chris. Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk, Osprey Publishing, 2008. ISBN 978-1-84176-852-6.
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