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Japan Selects F-35

20 Desember 2011

F-35A for JASDF (image : Lockheed Martin)

The Japan Air Self-Defense Force has selected the F-35A as the winner of its F-X contest for 40-50 aircraft to replace F-4 Phantoms. The single-engine, stealthy Lockheed Martin jet wins over Boeing’s F/A-18E/F and the Eurofighter Typhoon.

Eleven nations are now expected to buy the jet, including those in the nine-member partnership established at the beginning of the program and two foreign military sales customers -- Japan and Israel.

Japan’s deal includes a work package for a domestic final-assembly-and-checkout facility much like Italy’s, as well as component and subcomponent build work in country. A value for the work package has not been provided.

Like Israel, the first nation not in the F-35 partnership to sign up for a buy, Tokyo wants its first aircraft in 2016; the contract for these first four F-35As is expected in Japan’s fiscal year 2012, beginning in April.

Japan’s decision is likely the first of more to come in favor of the F-35 in Asia. Singapore is linked with Israel and likely to follow its buy. And, South Korea is a strong possibility as it often seeks to equal Japan in purchasing high-technology defense equipment. Seoul is expected to hold a competition for 60 aircraft next year.

The aircraft for delivery in 2016 will be included in the low-rate initial production lot 8, and they will include the Block 3 software that the U.S. Air Force will require to declare initial operational capability of its new fleet.

The growing number of customers for F-35, backed by Japan’s decision, “reinforces the F-35 value proposition,” says Steve O’Bryan, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 business development VP. This proposition postulates that the more customers that sign on and add to production orders, the lower the F-35 per-unit cost. This remains, however, to be proven by actual contract prices. The Pentagon is now in negotiations with Lockheed Martin over LRIP 5 pricing after the two parties agreed to equally share the “concurrency cost,” or price to retrofit LRIP 5 jets based on findings in the testing program.

O’Bryan says that the company can accommodate additional sales in LRIP 8 to South Korea should the country follow Tokyo’s lead. “There is capacity available,” he told reporters on a late-night teleconference in the United States. “We have tooling available” for more jets in that lot.
With Israel and Japan signing on for deliveries in 2016, it is possible the Pentagon could further slow its early LRIP buys to reduce the concurrency facing Washington’s piece of the program between development and procurement ramp up without disrupting the overall total delivery number in that year.

O’Bryan suggests that Japan selected the F-35 in part because the work package offers workers access to advanced technologies and manufacturing techniques. “If they wanted to purchase more fourth-generation technology of aluminum and other older technologies, they already had that in the F-15 line,” said Steve O’Bryan, Lockheed Martin’s F-35 business development vice president. “With the F-35 they get advanced composite work, automated milling and machining [and] they also get advanced avionics.”

Both losing contestants remain in other competitions around the globe. Boeing has orders to continue its F/A-18E/F work in St. Louis until 2015, including sales to the United States Navy of the Super Hornet and EA-18G jammer model and Australia. The Super Hornet is also vying against the Dassault Rafale and Saab Gripen for a win of Brazil’s pending tender for 36 fighters.

Paul Lewis, a Boeing spokesman, notes that the Super Hornet is also a potential for forthcoming competitions in Malaysia, Denmark the United Arab Emirates and “other Middle Eastern nations.”

Typhoon, widely considered as least likely to win in Japan, remains alive in New Dehli’s competition to build 126 multirole fighters. BAE announced this fall it was cutting the production rate of Typhoons from 53 to 43; the company has a backlog of more than 260 aircraft, with more than 280 delivered.

(Aviation Week-Ares)

Northrop Grumman to Supply AQS-24A Airborne Mine-Hunting System to Japan

26 Oktober 2011

Northrop Grumman AQS-24A (all photos : Northrop Grumman)

ANNAPOLIS, Md., -- Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:NOC) has been competitively selected to supply the AQS-24A airborne mine-hunting system to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.

Under the initial contract, Northrop Grumman's Undersea Systems business unit will deliver the airborne mine-hunting system to Kawasaki Heavy Industries for integration into Japan's new Airborne Mine Countermeasures MCH-101 helicopter.

AQS-24A Common Post Mission Analysis Station

"The combination of our proven high performance, low cost and ease of integration in the MCH-101 airframe makes the AQS-24A the ideal choice for Japan's helicopter-based mine-hunting needs," said Tom Jones, vice president of Northrop Grumman's Undersea Systems business unit. "As the only operational airborne mine-hunting search system in the U.S. Navy, the AQS-24A has demonstrated very high reliability in the field with the Navy's Helicopter Mine Countermeasures squadrons."

AQS-24A Minehunting System

The AQS-24A and its predecessors, the AQS-24 and the AQS-14, have been the only operational airborne mine hunting search systems used by the U.S. Navy for the past 27 years. The AQS-24A is a high speed mine-hunting system that is primarily towed from the MH-53E helicopter, but has been easily adapted to the smaller Japanese MCH-101 aircraft. With a track record of proven reliability and performance across the globe, the system's high-resolution side-scan sonar detects, localizes and classifies both bottom and moored mines in real time at high area coverage rates.

AQS-24A Deployment

The AQS-24A contains a laser line scanner that provides precision optical identification of underwater mines and other objects of interest. The AQS-24A allows for simultaneous operation of the sonar and laser, which significantly improves area coverage rate, shortens the mine clearance timeline and alleviates unnecessary maintenance cycles. Advanced navigation controls and processing provide highly accurate target positioning.

(Northrop Grumman)

Japan to Build New Helicopter Carrier by 2012

15 September 2011

Japan already has two helicopter carriers (photo : Chosun Ilbo)

Japan plans to build a 19,500-ton aircraft carrier capable of housing helicopters after China launched its first own aircraft carrier, Chinese media reported on Wednesday. Japan already has two helicopter carriers -- the Hyuga deployed in March 2009 and the Ise deployed in March 2011 -- but the planned new vessel will be bigger.

The 22DDH is scheduled for deployment in 2015. It will be 248 m long and cost around US$1.04 billion. It is 30 percent bigger than the Ise and can carry 14 helicopters. The Ise measures 197 m, has a displacement of 13,500 tons and can carry 11 helicopters.

Although dwarfed by China's aircraft carrier, which is 320 m long and can carry 50 fighter jets, the Japanese vessel will be equipped with the latest U.S. weapons systems to maximize its capability. It will be equipped with the Raytheon air and missile defense system, which has so far only been installed on U.S. vessels, and 11 missile launchers.

Japan had several aircraft carriers during World War II, but since its defeat it has focused on developing helicopter carriers, which are deemed purely defensive. It appears to be bolstering defenses to counter China's increasing submarine warfare capabilities. The new carrier will house mainly helicopters designed for anti-submarine warfare operations.

The new carrier is expected to be used to carry F-35B VSTOL aircraft (image : connect.in)

There are increasing calls within Japan to modify the 22DDH for fighter jets. But critics say it would be unrealistic to build such an aircraft carrier since its navy has only 45,000 personnel, and the already indebted government would run deeper into debt.

Chinese media speculated that Japan could buy Lookheed Martin F-35B stealth fighters capable of vertical takeoff and landing and base them on the new carrier.

Japan is also speeding up the development of stealth fighters and drones. Since 2009, it has invested 39 billion yen (around W562.2 billion) on development of an indigenous stealth fighter codenamed ATD-X. A prototype is expected to be unveiled in 2014, and development is to be complete in 2016.

Japan's Defense Ministry is also spending 15 billion yen this year on developing drones and robots. One unmanned helicopter has already been deployed with the Self-Defense Forces, while four prototype drones have been developed.

(Chosun Ilbo)

JMSDF Receives Two New TH-135 Helicopters

02 Agustus 2011

TH-135 helicopter (photo : Scramble)

Becker Avionics is pleased to announce the recent delivery of two more TH-135 aircraft to the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) with the Becker digital audio system (DVCS6100) installed.

Brett Gardner, Director of Sales and Marketing remarked, "The Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force is purchasing a total of 15 new TH-135 (EC135) training helicopters. With the delivery of these two helicopters the JMSDF fleet increases to 5 aircraft. We are thrilled that the JMSDF has chosen our DVCS6100 digital audio and intercom system for their training helicopter program. The JMSDF selection of the DVCS6100 once more underlines that the Becker Avionics digital intercom system is the most competitive and technologically advanced product on the market.

He continued, "The Japanese market is new to us, so it's important that we ensure a smooth entry of our product into service and demonstrate the quality of our local service and support network that we've recently established there. Becker Avionics has put a strong focus on developing our presence in the Japanese aviation marketplace, and has built strong relationships with JAMCO and Mainami Kuko Service Co. Ltd., two well-established, dependable companies in Japan."

The DVCS6100 design provides the customer with ability to match a wide range of operational requirements with only one system. The built-in scalability and flexibility reduces not only the cost and time requirements for constant re-engineering and certification for a tailored system solution, but also reduces the learning curve for integration, maintenance and troubleshooting time. Through software programming options, the system is both easily and quickly configurable to individual customer requirements, thus saving time and money.

The DVCS' open system architecture technology provides for operational comfort and superior voice quality, ensuring that almost any customer requirement can be met, while providing crystal clear communication for crew and passengers. Becker Avionics focuses on meeting individual requirements with the highest commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The state-of-the-art Digital DVCS6100 will enhance the effectiveness of any aerial platform. When compared to a legacy analog audio system, Digital technology provides simplified installation, improved performance, reduced wiring and weight, along with reduced installation and maintenance costs. Furthermore, the comprehensive built-in-test (BIT) feature enables line maintenance crews or avionics technicians to easily diagnose/isolate failures and replace system components quickly.
No matter what the mission; from Police and EMS, to passenger transport and surveillance or utility operations, Becker's Digital Audio system ensures a more modern and capable aerial platform.

The DVCS6100 has been designed for both rotary and fixed-wing applications. The product fully reflects Becker Avionics' proven know-how of more than four decades in audio system development for the aerospace industry. Since the market introduction of the 1st DVCS generation, over 800 systems have been delivered, with all achieving outstanding field reliability. Our continuous product improvement program ensures the DVCS6100 continues to meet our customer expectations and that the product remains technologically competitive.

Becker's Digital Audio technology is superior to any analog system, as it offers crystal-clear voice communication quality, a proven Man-Machine-Interface (MMI), outstanding reliability, scalability and flexibility, and is software configurable. The main system components of the DVCS6100 system are the Remote Electronic Unit (REU) 6100, the Audio Control Unit (ACU) 6100, and the optional Intercom Amplifier IC3100.

The product offers up to 8 communication transmit (TX) and up to 8 receiver (RX) channels, an integrated warning tone generator for up to 8 different signals, an amplifier for 2 cockpit speakers, as well as interfaces for 2 Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVR), and a Public Address Amplifier (PA).

Up to 6 ACU's can be operated together with one REU. Each unit can be configured with the included software to give complete adjustment range across different on-board systems. The system also meets the highest standards for night operation under NVG and military conditions. The ACU6100 is available with NVIS green (MIL-STD 3009 Green B) and white Backlight, and offers emergency and slaved mode operation. The DVCS6100 represents a unique mission enhancement technology that easily outperforms the competition.

(Shephard)

Australia Joins with Japan for First Bilateral Air Combat Training

27 Juli 2011

A No 3 Squadron F/A-18 Hornet and an F-15 Eagle from the Japan Air Self Defence Force fly low over the Alaskan tundra during Exercise Red Flag Alaska 11-2. (all photos : Aus DoD)

The Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) has successfully completed bilateral flying operations with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) for the first time.

The air combat familiarisation sortie conducted on 14 July during Exercise Red Flag was carried out by RAAF F/A-18 Hornets from No 3 Squadron in NSW, and JASDF F-15 Eagles from No 4th Air Wing.

The RAAF aircraft arrived at Misawa Air Force Base yesterday, second only to the United States military to ever have flown into a JASDF base.

“This level of high-end engagement offered the important opportunity to build on the strong friendship between Australia and Japan,” Commanding Officer No 3 Squadron, Wing Commander Terry van Haren, said.

“The large force, multi-threat environment of Red Flag enabled our fighter pilots to conduct complex missions with Japan, as well as the United States and Singapore as part of the exercise coalition force,”

“Now that we have arrived in Japan, we will hold a cultural and dialogue exchange at Misawa to further develop the strong bonds fostered between the two nations during Red Flag,” Wing Commander van Haren said.

“The four-day exchange programme includes several cultural activities and capability briefs to enhance shared co-operation and military appreciation between the Australian and Japanese fighter squadrons.”

During the visit to Misawa, members from RAAF’s No 3, No 36 and No 37 squadrons will donate toys to the JASDF for children affected by the recent tsunami.

Australia and Japan signed an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement in May last year. This week’s visit is the first since the Agreement was signed and reflects the growing strength of Australia’s bilateral partnership with Japan contributing to peace, security and stability in the Asia-Pacific region.

Exercise Red Flag Alaska 11–2 was conducted from US Eielson Air Force Base, between 4 and 22 July.

(Aus DoD)

Japanese AF Calls For Speedy C-2 Deliveries

20 Juli 2011

Kawasaki C2 (Photo : Katsunori Kimura)

SINGAPORE — The Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) is hoping that Kawasaki Heavy Industries can ramp up production of C-2 military transports once first deliveries start.

The C-2s are crucial because the air force’s Kawasaki C-1s were first developed in the 1960s and will need to be retired, says Lt. Col. Hiroshi Kawaguchi of the JASDF transportation office. He says there is no way the C-1s can be viable in the long term because they have Pratt & Whitney JT8D engines. This engine type is also on the Boeing 737-200, says Kawaguchi, referring to an aircraft version that most airlines have phased out.

Kawasaki C1 (photo : Kazuteru Sugawara)

Col. Shinichi Kaneko, head of the JASDF weapons systems programs division, says the air force has ordered 20 C-2s and the first will be delivered in Japan’s 2014 fiscal year. Currently the C-2 is in its test program, Kaneko says, adding that the two flight-test aircraft are now flying. Another two have been built for structural testing.

The C-2, a high-wing transport powered by two General Electric CF6-80C2s, also will replace some of the service’s NAMC YS-11s, Kaneko says.

NAMC YS-11 (photo : Scramble)

Some of the air force’s YS-11s have an intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) role, Kaneko says, adding that there is a plan to equip some C-2s for ISR.

Kaneko and Kawaguchi spoke to Aviation Week on the sidelines of the Military Airlift Asia Pacific conference in Singapore last week.

(Aviation Week)

First flight of Japanese ATD-X Likely in 2014

01 Juli 2011

Mitsubishi ATD-X aircraft (photo : Militaryphotos)

Tokyo has reaffirmed its plan for a 2014 first flight of its experimental Mitsubishi ATD-X Shinshin stealth demonstrator, while it also considers three fighters for its F-X requirement.

"The first flight of the ATD-X is scheduled in Japan fiscal year 2014," said Japan's defence ministry.

"The ATD-X is a trial product of a high-manoeuvrability stealth aircraft adopting various state-of-the-art technologies that may be applied to future fighters, and confirm and verify the practicality and operational effectiveness of systems under various flight conditions," said the ministry. "It is also intended for the study of air defence against stealth fighters that might be deployed in the neighbouring region in the future."

Japan unveiled the first full-sized mock-up of the ATD-X at Japan Aerospace 2008. Many observers, noting the immense costs and risks in developing an indigenous fighter, have speculated that the project was a bargaining chip to help Tokyo gain access to theLockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, which Washington steadfastly refused to sell to its Pacific ally.

Meanwhile, the

Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon and Lockheed F-35A Lightning II are vying for the F-X requirement to replace Japan's McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantoms. Tokyo issued a long-awaited request for proposals for the deal in April.

According to Tokyo's mid-term defence programme for the years 2011-15, the Japan Air Self-Defence Force has initial plans to procure 12 aircraft, with the final number yet to be determined. At a media briefing at the Paris air show, however, Boeing said the F-X requirement is for 42 aircraft.

Boeing added that it elected to offer the Super Hornet as opposed to a variant of the F-15 because Japan seeks a diversity of fighter types. The country operates a large force of F-15Js, but was concerned about readiness in the event of a problem with a specific type of aircraft.

Under F-X, substantial parts of the aircraft selected will be produced in Japan. Both Boeing and Lockheed have a long history of industrial co-operation with Japan on fighter programmes, while Eurofighter is a newcomer. The strong diplomatic ties between the USA and Japan, and the possibility that they may one day face common threats in the form of North Korea or China, would appear to favour the US aircraft over their European rival.

Tokyo expects proposals to be submitted by the end of September. The defence ministry said it will request that funds for the F-X purchase be appropriated for FY2012, with the aim of inducting the aircraft in 2016.

(FlightGlobal)

First Enstrom Helo Delivered For JGSDF

12 Maret 2011

JGSDF's Enstrom 480B (photo : AeroNews)

Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has delivered the first of a planned 30 TH-480B turbine training helicopters to the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force. The stunning blue and gold helicopter was handed over to JGSDF pilots at Enstrom's Service Center in Japan, JAMCO, during an elaborate handover ceremony attended by JGSDF officials and the Japanese Ministry of Defense.

"This is a great day for Enstrom," said Enstrom Helicopter Corp. President and CEO, Jerry Mullins, who attended the ceremony. "The 480B was originally designed as a training helicopter. To be chosen by a highly regarded organization, such as the JGSDF, is verification of what we started out to do with the aircraft. This is the beginning of a long relationship with the JGSDF and we couldn't be more excited."

For Mitsuo Hattori of Aero Facility Co. Ltd, Enstrom's representative in Japan, it has been a long road up to this point. "Since we won the program 12 months ago, it's been an exciting year. Aero Facility has expanded in size and contracted with Japan's premier maintenance organization, JAMCO, to support the JGSDF. Now that the infrastructure is in place, and the first aircraft is delivered, we can look forward the next 29."

As JGSDF pilot Hiromichi Irifune departed Sendai airport in the TH-480B, with a Kawasaki OH-1 attack helicopter in tow, Mullins commented, "There's no doubt the 480B has been recognized as a great training helicopter. The pilots really like the helicopter and that's the most important thing."

A purchase agreement was signed at Heli-Expo with Aero Facility for the second aircraft. The agreement calls for delivery of the aircraft to Japan in August of 2011, with final delivery to the JGSDF in February of 2012.

"This is an important program for Enstrom," says Enstrom's Director of Sales & Marketing, Tracy Biegler. "It's allowing us to grow the company and refine our organization. What we are doing today in Japan will benefit all of our customers down the road." Biegler sees the TH-480B contract as laying the groundwork for a bright future. "There is a lot of activity in the military training market and Enstrom is positioning itself, through product and process improvements, to build on these recent successes."

(AeroNews)

Airborne Radar: Interception, Early Warning & Ground Surveillance Systems (2)

09 Januari 2011

Chinese Shaanxi ZDK-03, the radar can detect target to 350 km range, have max operating ceiling 10,4 km and max endurance 8 hours. (photo : china defense)

China is very interested in obtaining world-class AWACS capabilities. For the past decade, aside from the failed Phalcon negotiations, Beijing has been actively pursuing airborne radar technology, both from external and indigenous sources. In 2006 an in indigenously built AWACS prototype crashed during testing, killing some thirty of the country’s best technicians. Since then, the Chinese have developed a modern system that is also being sold to Pakistan.

Known as the Shaanxi ZDK-03 AEW&C system, it is believed to be a new variant of the Shaanxi Y8 AEW&C system produced by the Shaanxi Aircraft Company in China, and one of a total of four on order are expected to be in-country before the end of 2011. Few concrete details of the ZDK-03 are known, but the radar is believed to be highly advanced with a greater range than the Saab 2000 Erieye procured by Thailand; and is housed in a four-turboprop aircraft.

Chinese KJ-2000, the radar can detect target to 300 km range, have max operating ceiling 12,0 km and max endurance 7,7 hours. (photo : Jeffhead)

The current AEW&C technology in use with the People’s Liberation Army Air Force has grown out of the failed attempt to acquire the foreign Phalcon. Working with the original A-501 airframe from the abandoned programme, China modified and fitted it with an indigenously designed and built radar, along with another three converted IL-76MD transport aircraft. The radar is believed to be similar to the Phalcon but inferior in ability in terms of ability to track multiple targets simultaneously in low light and bad weather conditions. The radar also does not rotate; it is a three-sided electronically steered array (ESA) radar, three of which are housed inside a round radome in a triangular configuration to give 360° coverage.

The Israeli Phalcon has also seen success with the sale of the radar system to Singapore in 2007. Singapore currently uses four US E2C Hawkeye AEW aircraft for surveillance, and will be replacing these with the Phalcon radar fitted into Gulfstream 550 aircraft. Being a phased array radar, the Phalcon is able to detect electronic equipment within a radius of 400km, and updates aircraft position on operating screens ever 2-4 seconds, which is far superior to the Northrop Grumman E2C that has formed the backbone of the US AWACS for more than two decades.

Singapore’s G550 CAEW equipped with AESA radar, can detect target to 400 km range, have max operating ceiling 15,5 km and max endurance 9 hours. (photo : Airliners)

The Singapore system uses modified Gulfstream G550 business jets, and features a sophisticated mission suite. Few specific details have been revealed about the aircraft, but it is believed they will take a similar form to the G550 Conformal AEW (CAEW) that entered service with the Israeli Air Force in 2008, and has a mission endurance of more than nine hours and dual S-band radar arrays and L-band sensors giving 360° coverage. According to the Ministry of Defence, the new aircraft will enhance the creation of the RSAF’s air situation picture and its identification capability as part of the networked air defence system.

Wedgetail

Australia’s Boeing 737 Wedgetail equipped with MESA radar, can detect target to 400 km range, have max operating ceiling 12,5 km and max endurance 9 hours. (photo : Airliners)

In May this year Australia accepted the first two Wedgetail 737 AEW&C aircraft into the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The Boeing contract is part of Project Wedgetail, the RAAF’s programme to acquire an AEW&C capability to give enhanced surveillance capability to the nation’s air defences.

The contract with Boeing will see a total of six aircraft delivered to the RAAF, as well as ground support segments for mission crew training, mission support and ongoing system maintenance. The 737 AEW&C aircraft features the advanced Northrop Grumman multi-role electronically scanned array (MESA) radar with integrated identification friend-or-foe capabilities. It also features ten state-of-the-art mission crew consoles capable of tracking airborne and naval targets simultaneously, giving the RAAF an airborne battle management capability it needs to meet the defence challenges presented by a nation with land and coastal areas of such vast size.

South Korea’s Boeing 737 Peace Eye equipped with MESA radar, can detect target to 400 km range, have max operating ceiling 12,5 km and max endurance 9 hours. (photo : Airliners)

The project is the first time a Boeing 737 aircraft has been converted into an AEW&C platform, and the success of the programme has opened the door to other customers within the region. South Korea signed a contract with Boeing in 2006 for four AEW&C systems along with ground support, training and system modification support. The first aircraft will be delivered in 2011, with the remaining three being modified and fitted by Korea Aerospace Industries in country. The South Korea programme is known as the E-X737 AEW&C programme.

Elsewhere in the region, Boeing has seen success with their 767 AWACS aircraft that were sold to the Japan Air Self Defence Force (JASDF) in the late 1990s. They were acquired by Japan to carry out C2 operations and airborne surveillance for tactical and air defence forces. In 2006 US Congress was notified that of a possible Foreign Military Sale (FMS) of four sets of Airborne Early Warning (AEW) and Command, Control and Communications (C3) mission equipment/Radar System Improvement Program (RSIP) Group A and B kits, plus spares and services in order to update the AWACS equipment on board the four 767 aircraft.

Japan’s Boeing 767 AWACS, the radar can detect target to 320 km range, have max operating ceiling 12,2 km and max endurance 9,25 hours. (photo : JASDF)

The contract for the work was signed in November 2006, and the aircraft were to receive new radar, computer, radar control maintenance panel and software upgrades to the radar mission system programmes in order to increase the radar’s sensitivity, allowing it to detect and track smaller targets with higher reliability overall. In July 2010 a further contract was signed between the JASDF and Boeing Integrated Defence Systems for mission navigation system upgrades to the four AWACS aircraft. The navigation system is based on two LN-100G inertial navigation systems supplied by Northrop Grumman.

These and other systems are vying for the attention of Asian armed forces intent on upgrading their antiquated air defence systems. For countries experiencing downward pressure on defence budgets, investing in a single platform that is able to carry out a wide spectrum of operations including early airborne warning and control, national security, border control, airborne command and control as well as disaster management, makes sense. The force multiplier effect of airborne radar platforms in this way also enables the existing assets and infrastructure to operate to their full capability, and will continue to drive interest in the market over the coming years as armed forces look to streamline and augment their aerial defences with the leading market technology.

(Asian Military Review)

Japan’s Ministry of Defense Selects Mitsubishi Heavy’s Proposal to Build 40 UH-60J Search and Rescue Helicopters

09 Desember 2010

Mitsubishi UH-60J (photo : helis)

STRATFORD, Connecticut - Japan’s Ministry of Defense has selected Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ (MHI) proposal to supply the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) with a new fleet of advanced UH-60J search and rescue helicopters. The aircraft will be produced under license from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp., a subsidiary of United Technologies Corp. (NYSE:UTX).

The new fleet will replace 40 MHI-built UH-60J search and rescue helicopters currently in operation with the JASDF since 1991. The new aircraft will be phased into service over 20 years. Over the life of the program, MHI is expected to receive a total of 190 billion yen (approx. $2.3 billion) from the Japan Ministry of Defense for all 40 new-generation UH-60J helicopters, including 20 years of logistics support.

“The new-generation UH-60J helicopter will bring to Japan’s Air Self-Defense Force the proven performance attributes of the legacy platform in a new airframe with significant advanced capabilities to support humanitarian relief and rescue missions,” said John Pacelli, Sikorsky Vice President of International Government Programs. “Congratulations to MHI for prevailing against a strong field of competitors for this important mission capability.”

A removable aerial refueling probe is among the principal improvements developed by MHI for the upgraded UH-60J helicopter. The probe will enable all of the new UH-60J aircraft to refuel from tanker aircraft while airborne.

Other modern updates include satellite communications and a collision avoidance system.
The UH-60J helicopter contract was the first comprehensive evaluation bid process conducted by the Ministry for a significant defense item. The new selection process was directed by the Japanese Government to foster more transparency and fairness during the procurement of major weapon systems.MHI has built 226 Sikorsky H-60 series aircraft under license with Sikorsky for exclusive use by the Japan Ministry of Defense since 1988. Aircraft include the UH-60JA helicopter for ground forces utility operations, and the SH-60J/K anti-submarine patrol helicopter.

(Sikorsky)

Govt FX Project at Standstill / Nation's Air Defense at Stake in Selection of Next-Generation Fighter Jet

31 Agustus 2010

Boeing has proposed F-15FX for Japan's FX programme (photo : Militaryphotos)

Government efforts to select the next generation of mainstay FX fighter jet for the Air Self-Defense Force, a decision likely to have a profound effect on the future of the nation's air defense, have come to a standstill.

The deadline to choose the successor to the ASDF's aging F-4 fighters is said to be 2016. But the Defense Ministry is likely to demand only research expenses for the FX fighter in its fiscal 2011 budget request to be submitted Tuesday. The ministry has unofficially decided to postpone the budget request to procure next-generation mainstay FX fighter jets.

The strain in the Japan-U.S. relationship caused by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan's handling of the relocation of the U.S. Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture has hampered Japan's ability to select FX fighters, observers said.
The 70 F-4 fighters currently owned by the ASDF were phased into service beginning in 1971. Many have degraded over time, and some were taken out of service as they reached their maximum permitted flight hours.

In the United States, which developed the aircraft, all F-4 fighters have been retired.

The major next-generation fighter jet candidates being studied by the Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces are the F-35 jointly developed by Britain, the United States and other countries; the Eurofighter, jointly developed by four European countries such as Britain and Germany; and the F/A-18E/F of the United States. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.

Mitsubishi F-2 (photo : Wiki)

The ASDF wants to purchase the F-35, a fifth-generation fighter jet, which features mobility as well as stealth capability to evade radar detection.

The F-4 fighter, a mainstay of the 1960s and '70s, is the nation's third-generation fighter, but the ASDF hopes to make a leap straight to fifth-generation fighters.
"Russia already is conducting flight tests of a fifth-generation fighter. China also will fly a fifth-generation aircraft in the mid-2010s," an ASDF official said.

However, the U.S. Air Force is not likely to deploy the F-35 until 2015, about two years behind schedule. Accordingly, it is unclear if Japan would be able to import the F-35 by its 2016 target.

The Defense Ministry plans to seek research expenses for F-35 technology in the fiscal 2011 budget.

However, sources close to military affairs said it is questionable whether the United States would disclose top-secret information pertaining to the F-35 at a time when Japan has not definitively expressed its intention to procure the fifth-generation U.S. fighter.

Grounds for concern include the F-35's price tag of more than 20 billion yen apiece, and the potential for the jet's malfunctioning after its development.

Moreover, there is no chance the United States would allow Japan to manufacture the F-35 under license by paying patent fees, as Japan did not participate in the fighter's joint development with the U.S. and other partner governments. Therefore, the fighter's introduction would offer no opportunities for Japan's defense industry.

Currently, F-2 fighters are produced domestically, but that program will be terminated in fiscal 2011. If Japan is subsequently unable to produce next-generation fighters under license, the nation's production and technology bases would be lost.

Meanwhile, the countries developing the Eurofighter are trying to market the aircraft to Japan using a "no black box approach," meaning sensitive information would be disclosed to Japan. They say Japan would be able to develop and produce its own version of the Eurofighter without leaking the developer countries' restricted military technology.

Britain's BAE Systems PLC Vice President Andy Latham, who is in charge of Eurofighter sales, said the aircraft would be best suited to nurturing the Japanese defense industry.

The point at issue is how Japan's selection of a European fighter would affect the Japan-U.S. alliance because Japan so far has adopted U.S. forces' mainstay fighters.

According to a senior Defense Ministry official, "If the Japan-U.S. relationship had not worsened due to the dispute over the U.S. Futenma Air Station, the Eurofighter could be one of our choices [for a next-generation fighter.]"

With no decisive factor, the ministry is also considering a plan to postpone the selection and procurement of the successor fighters and simply maintain domestic production of the F-2.

Prof. Satoshi Morimoto of Takushoku University criticized the government, saying it has no basic vision for the nation's security. "I can't see that the government has any clear vision pertaining to the selection of fighters and maintenance of the domestic defense industry," he said.

(The Daily Yomiuri)

Enstrom 480B for the JGSDF First Flight

28 Agustus 2010

Enstrom 480D helicopter (photo : Enstrom)

Enstrom Helicopter Corp. Flies the First 480B Destined for the JGSDF Training Program

Menominee MI, August 24, 2010 – Enstrom Helicopter Corporation has completed the first day of flying for the first 480B helicopter destined for the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF) Pilot Training Program.

“The first day could not have gone better”, said Jerry Mullins, President and CEO of Enstrom Helicopter Corporation. “All necessary flight performance requirements were met and Production Flight Testing has been completed. We will enter into the certification phase of the testing early this week.”

The aircraft configuration procured by the JGSDF has multiple new options that were developed for this program. The industry unique 2+2 (two pilots and 2 passenger) cabin configuration was one of the major developments undertaken for the JGSDF. Certified in November of 2009, Enstrom and its Japanese representation, AERO Facility, Ltd. Inc., teamed up to develop and certify the newly configured cabin that allows two sets of controls and additional seating for two passengers. “The unique thing about this configuration in the 480B”, said Tracy Biegler, Director of Sales and Marketing, “is that both pilots and passengers are all in the same area, able to view all instruments, watch each of the pilots, and see what each other see.”

The 2+2 configuration was one of the major requirements of the program and was recognized early on as a key to success. The requested configuration was very stringent and required excellent visibility of the instruments, controls, and external views from all seats within the helicopter. Therefore, a unique cabin configuration, such as the 480B provides, was required to create a successful solution without compromise to the rest of the program. With the versatility of the Enstrom design, along with a company infrastructure designed and staffed to react quickly, the design went from concept to certification in record time.

Other items that were developed for this program are primarily special support avionics for the missions defined by the JGSDF. Certification will now drive the final delivery timing for the aircraft. It is expected that this process will be completed within the next six to eight weeks. The program calls for this first evaluation helicopter to be delivered in 2010, with a total of 30 aircraft to be delivered by 2014. Enstrom was chosen in a competitive bidding process over two formidable manufacturers in February of this year.

(Vertical Mag)

Japan Could Better Exploit its Defense Technology

26 Agustus 2010

Shin Meiwa US-2 (photo : Airliners)

Transfers of military technology--on a limited scale--could be an effective way to maintain the nation's vital defense technology while also supporting defense-related companies.

The Defense Ministry is studying a plan to transfer aircraft it developed to private use. The plan includes converting the Maritime Self-Defense Force's US-2 search-and-rescue seaplane to a firefighting flying boat and also converting the XC-2 next-generation transport plane now being developed by the Air Self-Defense Force to a large civilian cargo airplane.

The transfer of military technology to civilian use is unprecedented in this country. But search-and-rescue and transport planes are not really armaments in the first place. Adapting them for civilian use would have no effect on Japan's ideal as a "pacifist nation."

The government would be able to recoup some of its development costs by collecting usage fees from private companies. The procurement costs for Self-Defense Forces planes could also be reduced through the efficiencies of mass production. Manufacturers, for their part, could expect certain levels of earnings because the global demand for firefighting flying boats and cargo airplanes is large.

Kawasaki XC-2 (photo : Airliners)

Widespread benefits

Transfer of SDF technology to private use would benefit both the private and public sectors. The practice should have been promoted much earlier.

Recent years saw an increasing number of companies withdraw from the military equipment industry due to the continued decrease in defense budgets. The loss of the high-level engineers and specialized manufacturers that are indispensable for the development, production and improvement of such equipment undermines the bedrock of national security.

But at the same time, the security environment surrounding Japan has become grimmer. Under such circumstances, it is essential to maintain a foundation for defense technology even while making more efficient use of defense budgets.

In line with the revision of the National Defense Program Guidelines scheduled within this year, it is important to make a drastic review of the arms export ban.

Regarding military equipment that entails huge development costs, such as the F-35 next-generation fighter jet candidate, joint development involving two or more countries is a global trend. Japan cannot take part in such multinational projects because its principles only allow participation in such projects to be undertaken with the United States.

Review export ban principle

Japan's ban on arms exports applies to almost all nations other than the United States. The government must study limiting the ban to countries involved in international conflicts and those supporting terrorism. We suggest that Japan be at least permitted to undertake joint development of military weapons with ordinary countries and that a system be introduced to screen arms exports on a case-by-case basis.

Allowing the export of purely defensive materiel, such as mine detectors and bulletproof vests, would not harm Japan's image as a pacifist nation.

Both the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party called for transfers of military equipment to private use in their campaign platforms for the House of Councillors election in July. There could be room for cooperation beyond the framework of ruling and opposition parties on the issue of reexamining the export ban.

In the previous Cabinet under former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa expressed positive thoughts about revising the arms export ban. But the review could not take any concrete shape due to opposition from the Social Democratic Party, which was then a member of the ruling coalition.

Now that the SDP has defected from the coalition government, the political barriers to transfers of military technology appear to have been lowered drastically.

(Yomiuri Shimbun)

New Japanese Destroyer Bigger, More Capable

18 Juni 2010

Comparison of 16DDH (Hyuga) and 22DDH (image : jeffhead)

Details of New Japanese 'Helicopter Destroyer'

TOKYO --- Rumors that the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's third "aircraft carrying destroyer" would mark a major improvement in size and capability over the Hyuga class ships now entering service have been confirmed.

The new 22DDH will be 248 meters long and 39 meters in beam, and displace more than 24,000 tons. This makes her almost 50 percent larger than the Hyuga class and places an unbearable semantic strain on the use of the term "destroyer" to describe these ships. To put the size of the ship into context, she is comparable with a World War II Essex-class fleet carrier.

Illustrations of the 22DDH show her to be a full-fledged helicopter carrier with no real destroyer characteristics. The superstructure is very similar to that of the Hyuga class with the difference that the 01 deck is extended forward, probably to accommodate a vertical launch silo for air defense missiles. The point defenses of the new ships are more than doubled, with three Phalanx Mk 15 mountings and two RAM launchers replacing the pair of Phalanx mounts on the older ship. Significantly, while one of the Phalanx mounts on the Hyuga is situated forward on the flight deck, and thus obstructs fixed-wing operations, the 22DDH has all of its mounts located on sponsons clear of the flight deck itself.

22DDH Landing Platform Helicopter (image : JMSDF)

The flight deck layout on the 22DDH differs significantly from that of the Hyuga class. One of the lifts has been moved from the centerline to the deck-edge position. The added width of the flight deck has been used to shift the axis of air operations clear of the remaining centerline elevator. The number of munitions elevators feeding the flight deck has been increased from two to four.

A vertical launch silo built into the rear of the flight deck on the Hyuga has been removed, once again reducing obstructions to flight operations. Flight deck operations capacity has been increased from two to seven helicopters.

Japanese accounts suggest that one of the reasons for the drastic increase in size of the 22DDH design is a planned shift to the V-22 Osprey as the primary air group element for these ships. It is not clear whether these would be replacements for or supplemental to the SH-60Ks that equip the Hyuga class. These accounts also make it clear that the F-35B short takeoff and vertical landing variant of the Joint Strike Fighter is seen as a key system for these ships. Apparently, provision for the operation of UAVs is being included within the design.

(Defense Aerospace)

Japan Seeks Foreign Engines for Stealth Fighter Prototypes

28 April 2010

Japan's ATD-X Shinshin (photo : Flightglobal)

Japan is looking to use foreign engines for the prototype aircraft needed for its fifth-generation fighter programme.

The ATD-X Shinshin programme is still in the study stage, but industry sources in Japan and overseas say Tokyo has issued a document to engine-makers seeking information and pricing on powerplants needed for two prototype aircraft.
Responses are due to be submitted by 10 May.

Japan is interested in engines in the 10,000-20,000lb thrust class (44-89kN), and has a long-list of candidates on which it is seeking information, the sources say.

These include the General Electric F404 used to power the Boeing F/A-18 Hornet, Snecma's M88-2 for the Dassault Rafale and Volvo Aero's RM12, integrated with the Saab Gripen. Its search even contains the Gas Turbine Research Establishment GTX-35VS Kaveri, still in development for India's Aeronautical Development Agency Tejas light combat aircraft.

Japan had wanted to buy Lockheed Martin's F-22 to meet its future fighter requirement, but the US government has barred exports of the type and agreed to halt production for the US Air Force. Tokyo has responded by vowing to develop its own fifth-generation fighter under the ATD-X programme.

Local engine-maker Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries (IHI) has been assigned to develop the XF5-1 engine for the ATD-X. The move to source foreign engines for the prototypes could be part of efforts to give IHI more time and ensure that the overall programme remains on track.

Japan is also expected this year to issue a request for proposals for new fighters under its F-X programme. Aircraft in the running will include the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, Eurofighter Typhoon, and Lockheed's F-35 Joint Strike Fighter.

(Flight International)

Kawasaki Heavy Belatedly Delivers Its First XC2 Transport Jet to ASDF

10 April 2010

Kawasaki XC-2 is a next generation transport jet with MTOW 120 tonnes (photo : Airliners)

GIFU (Kyodo) Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. delivered its first XC2 next-generation transport jet to the Air Self-Defense Force in a ceremony Tuesday at the firm's Gifu plant, two years behind schedule.

The XC2, a high-wing twin-engine plane measuring 44 meters in length, is currently the largest domestically developed aircraft.

The delivery was delayed because the fuselage turned out to be weaker than designed. The second plane is to be delivered by the end of March 2012.

The XC2's payload is about three times larger than the C1 transport now used by the ASDF.

The XC2 is easy to fly and can have civil aviation applications, a KHI official said.

The Maritime Self-Defense Force is developing the XP1 next-generation submarine patrol plane, which will use some common parts with the XC2.
Development costs for the two airplanes combined came to ¥345 billion.

(Japan Times)

Global Hawk is Offered to Australia, Singapore, and Japan

30 Maret 2010

RQ-4 Global Hawk (photo : Air Attack)

Northrop puts Global Hawk on show in Japan

Northrop Grumman has been making a major push in Japan for its RQ-4 Global Hawk in an effort to have procurement of such unmanned air vehicles included in the country's next five-year plan.

Japanese military and defence officials were able to see a full-scale model of the Global Hawk on display in Tokyo on 24-25 March. Japan was the last stop in an Asia-Pacific tour that also saw the Global Hawk model displayed in Australia, Hawaii, Guam and Singapore.

Japan's defence establishment has been studying the Global Hawk for several years and Northrop's latest marketing push comes as it works to formulate its five-year fiscal plan for 2011-15.

If Japan orders the Global Hawk it would need to get US government export approval.

"Capable of flying well above all civil air traffic at altitudes of up to 60,000ft [18,300m] for the more than 32h at a time, Global Hawk is a suitable intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance asset for Japan," says Curt Orchard, Northrop Grumman international vice-president for Japan.

Japan has a need for greater intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance capability because it has three potentially hostile neighbours: China, North Korea and Russia.

Tokyo and Beijing have territorial disputes over outlying islands and sea borders, while Pyongyang continues to test missiles - some of which have flown over Japan - and Moscow occupies the Kuril islands, some of which it annexed from Japan in the last days of the Second World War.

Northrop says the Global Hawk "is the only unmanned air system to receive both US Air Force and US Federal Aviation Administration certificate of authority allowing routine operation in civil air space."

The Global Hawk's range of 16,100km (10,000nm) means a single mission can span north-east and South-East Asia, it says.

(Flight International)

Japan's Fighter Contest Heats Up

24 Maret 2010

Eurofighter Typhoon (photo : AviationNews)

TAIPEI and LONDON - After years of delay, Japan is moving forward on the F-X multirole fighter competition, and a request for proposals (RfP) could be issued as early as next month.

The F-X fills a requirement for 40 to 50 fighters to replace aging F-4EJ Kai Phantoms; first deliveries could begin in 2015 if a decision is made this year.

Contenders include the Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet and Lockheed Martin F-35 Joint Strike Fighter (JSF).

The competition has been delayed since 2007 due to budgetary constraints, political bickering and procurement scandals. The Japan Air Force also delayed the decision, hoping the U.S. would release exports of the F-22 Raptor, but production was canceled last year.

Sources indicate the RfP includes dual-engines for extended operations over water, a local role in the integration of the active electronically scanned array radar, an indigenous weapon system and licensed production by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which is facing a drop in work once production of the F-2 fighter ends.

F-35 JSF (photo : Locjkheed Martin)

One defense industry source in Tokyo expressed doubts that licensed production of only 40 to 50 fighters would be economically viable.

"The real challenge for the Japanese is to find work for the local industry without breaking the bank," he said. "Starting from scratch on an aircraft program like that is going to be astronomical in costs for the tooling and everything else. So who is going to start an entire assembly line for 40 to 50 aircraft? That doesn't mean they won't try to do something on the assembly of the aircraft, but licensed production is going to be expensive."

Tokyo may have to wait until the F-XX competition, the follow-on fighter competition after the F-X, for 200 to 250 fighters, which would be more cost-effective from a licensed production perspective, the source said. The F-XX competition is at least a decade away.

Despite cost challenges, all three competitors are offering local industrial participation.

"We understand that industrial base is a key element of Japan's national security posture," said John Giese, senior manager for international communications, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. "We feel F-35 offers significant opportunities for Japanese industrial participation, both in production and sustainment."

F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (photo : Richard Seaman)

The U.S. government and Lockheed responded to Japan's formal request for F-35 data in 2007.

Giese said the selection of a fifth-generation fighter like the F-35 would be an "inflection point" that would give the Japan Air Force a "transformational capability" for the future.

Boeing is offering Japan licensed production of the Block II Super Hornet.

"We will work with Japanese industries to ensure that we provide for the licensed production of these aircraft," said Joseph Song, vice president for international business development, Boeing - Asia Pacific.

Song, along with a team from Raytheon, was in Tokyo last week to promote the Hornet.

The push to sell the Typhoon to Japan is led by Alenia, BAE Systems and EADS, which also sent a delegation to Tokyo this month to meet with industry and government officials.

The Europeans see an opportunity in Japan as the new Tokyo government grapples with Washington over the U.S. military base on Okinawa and other political issues. In 2009, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) unseated the long-standing Liberal Democratic Party and has since threatened to reduce the U.S. military presence.

"For Eurofighter, it wouldn't be easy as U.S. links there are strong and deep, but there is a feeling that the offer will be evaluated in a more neutral environment," a Eurofighter industry source said. "The Eurofighter position has also been helped by the good political support for the sale from the four Eurofighter nations."

F-4EJ (photo : Yahoo.Japan)

On Eurofighter's chances, Song said Boeing had to take them seriously, "especially with the change in government, and the relationship between the DPJ and the Europeans is improving."

However, Japan has never bought European fighters, and some say interest in the Eurofighter is nothing more than a ploy.

Though the Rafale fighter will not be competing, Charles Edelstenne, Dassault Aviation's chairman and chief executive, dismissed chances Japan would buy a European fighter: "The Japanese will buy American. They say they might buy European, but that's just a way of putting pressure on the Americans."

The Japanese are looking to have the first aircraft by about 2015, and recent delays and cost overruns on the rival F-35 could make it difficult for Lockheed to make deliveries until 2020.

"The other problem for JSF is that there will be a very small, if any, role for Japanese industry in a program where supporting the local aerospace industry is a key requirement along with capability," the Eurofighter source said.

Lockheed's Giese denies the F-35 is hobbled by recent program troubles.

"The F-35 program fully meets Japan's F-X acquisition timeline and delivery requirements," he said. "The adjustments in the F-35 program have, in fact, strengthened the program for Japan."

Giese said production was on track and resources have been added to development. "The more conservative development schedule reduces concerns of programmatic risk," he said. "F-35 is on track to deliver fifth-generation fighter capability to meet Japan's requirements."

(Defense News)

Japan's XC2 Makes Maiden Flight

27 Januari 2010

Japan's XC2 tactical transport aircraft (photo : Kyodo)

ASDF Transport Prototype Tested

GIFU (Kyodo) A prototype of the Air Self-Defense Force's next-generation transport aircraft performed its first test flight Tuesday in Kakamigahara, Gifu Prefecture, more than two years behind schedule due to structural integrity problems.

Code-named XC2, the two-engine jet is being developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

KHI started work on the plane in 2001 as part of a ¥340 billion government project.

The project also covers costs to develop the Maritime Self-Defense Force's next-generation antisubmarine patrol plane, which shares many parts with the XC2.

The plane is 44 meters long, or 15 meters longer than the current ASDF C-1 transport jet.

The aircraft is expected to be used on ASDF missions overseas.

The Defense Ministry had originally planned to conduct the first test flight in summer 2007.

(Japan Times)

Last Japanese KC-767 Delivered

13 Januari 2010

Boeing KC-767 for JASDF (photo : AviationNews)

Boeing delivered the last of four KC-767 tankers for the Japan Air Self Defence Force on January 8, a significant milestone for the delayed program, with Boeing partner Itochu Corp handing over the aircraft to Japanese Ministry of Defence officials.

The first Japanese KC-767 was handed over in February 2008, two years late due to development issues, the second in March 2008 and the third in March 2009. IOC was achieved in March 2009, while the KC-767 fleet continues to undergo operational evaluation by the JASDF, which should conclude early this year, according to Boeing. The aircraft are operated by the 1st Airlift Wing at Komaki air base.

Meanwhile, flight testing of three of the four KC-767s on order for the Italian air force continues. Deliveries of Italy’s four tankers (the fourth is currently undergoing its tanker conversion process) have been delayed over four years, in part due to a wing flutter issue. As well as a boom, Italy’s tankers, unlike Japan’s, are also fitted with hose and drogue wingtip pods and a centreline refuelling point.

Australia passed over the KC-767 in preference to the A330 MRTT (KC-30) in April 2004.

(Australian Aviation)

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