Page 4 - DSEi JAPAN 2023 - DAY 3 | DAILY NEWS

FIRST BATCH OF JGSDF UH-2

HELICOPTERS DELIVERED TO JGSDF

reduces pilot workload and increases
situational awareness. The helicopter is
powered by Pratt & Whitney PT6T-9 Twin-
Pac engines. Additional features include a
helicopter terrain awareness and warning
system (HTAWS), wire strike protection
system (WSPS), Bell helicopter vibration
monitor system (BHVMS) and night vision
goggle ready interior lighting and controls.

Developed to stringent JGSDF spec-
ifications, the UH-2 offers enhanced
performance, safety, and efficiency and is
based on Bell’s 412EPI. The UH-2 has been
developed by Subaru by leveraging Subaru’s
Bell 412EPX, which is its latest civilian
helicopter in production. The helicopter
has been remodelled according to Japan
Ministry of Defence specifications. The
Japan MoD will benefit from the orders of
Subaru Corporation has completed the or cold temperatures, with its engine, trans- scale for the UH-2, which will be obtained
deliveries of the first batch of six UH-2s mission, hydraulics, and electrical systems by deliveries for the civilian Subaru Bell 412
(Utility Helicopter in service to the Japan having historically demonstrated reliable EPX. The Japan Coast Guard placed orders
Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF). A start-up characteristics in such conditions. for Subaru Bell 412 EPXs in June 2022, with
Subaru official told Daily News that the deliveries slated to begin in 2025. The new
last of six helicopters from the first batch The UH-2 incorporates ballistic tolerant helicopters will be used for ensuring secu-
features, such as twin-engines, 30 minutes
was delivered to the JGSDF in January. An dry run capability, dual cockpit controls, a rity at sea, search and rescue, responding
actual JGSDF UH-2 was displayed inside the damage tolerant airframe structure, crash maritime disasters, and transportation of
show by Japan’s Acquisition, Technology & resistant fuel system and duplicated or many loads and share commonalities with
Logistics Agency (ATLA). isolated/separated critical flight systems. the Japan Coast Guard’s Bell 412EP heli-
copters. The Subaru Bell 412 EPX however,
The official said that over the last 50 years, The cockpit features Bell’s Basix-Pro provides better operational capability and
Subaru has delivered more than 450 utility integrated glass cockpit with four large efficiency with improved performance such
helicopters to the JGSDF. The UH-2 has 7.7 high-definition displays paired with a digi- as extended hover ceiling and increased
feet sliding doors on both sides, allowing tal navigation/communication suite which useful load.
for fast and easy access. The cabin is 240
cm wide and 135 cm tall. This allows vari-
ous cargo configurations such as carrying
two motorcycles and four soldiers or six
stretchers for medical evacuation.

Subaru has been contracted to supply 150
UH-2s the JGSDF and is likely to maintain
an annual production rate of 10 helicop-
ters till deliveries conclude. The company
is also seeking to export the UH-2 to inter-
ested countries in the APAC region.
Subaru Corporation delivered the first UH-2
for the JGSDF from its Aerospace Company
Utsunomiya Plant, Tochigi Prefecture,
Japan in June 2022. According to com-
pany officials, the UH-2 offers improved
performance and safety features, while
maintaining its long established reputation
for utility and reliability. The UH-2 is ready to
take-off within three minutes in extreme hot
4 MARCH-17-2023 WWW.GBP.COM.SG/DAILY NEWS