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First flight for Japan’s upgraded SH-60

19th May 2021 - 02:35 GMT | by Koji Miyake in Tokyo

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The prototype ‘SH-60L’ from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries makes its first flight. (MHI)

The JMSDF needs to upgrade the performance of its Seahawk-based helicopters, with a new type now in development.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) started flight testing of an upgraded SH-60 helicopter on 12 May, the SH-60 being a license-built version of Sikorsky’s Seahawk.

The upgraded SH-60, based on MHI’s SH-60K, is equipped with enhanced onboard systems and flight capability. The upgraded SH-60 could perhaps be named the SH-60L.

The Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA) in Japan’s MoD worked on a prototype and its equipment from FY2015-20. ATLA will now conduct technical and operational tests from FY2020-22.

Two helicopter prototypes will be delivered to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in FY2021, and these will conduct performance tests

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