First flight for Japan’s upgraded SH-60
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
Already have an account? Log in
Want to keep reading this article?
Read this Article
Get access to this article with a Free Basic Account
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 2 free stories per week
- Daily news round-up email service
- Access to all Decisive Edge email newsletters
Unlimited Access
Access to all our premium news as a Premium News 365 Member. Corporate subscriptions available.
- Original curated content, daily across air, land and naval domains
- 14-day free trial (cancel at any time)
- Unlimited access to all published premium news
More from Air Warfare
-
![Czech Republic acquires two Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft]()
Czech Republic acquires two Embraer C-390 Millennium aircraft
The contract has been predicted to be signed in the coming weeks, with the first aircraft slated for delivery to the Czech Republic by 2025.
-
![Saab strengthens AEW&C bid with Korea Aerospace Industries agreement]()
Saab strengthens AEW&C bid with Korea Aerospace Industries agreement
Saab’s proposal for South Korea is its GlobalEye aircraft. This MoU between the two companies is the latest update in Saab’s bid for South Korea’s competition for a new airborne early warning and control (AEW&C) aircraft.
-
![Raytheon to develop Next-Gen Jammer upgrade for US navy under $192million deal]()
Raytheon to develop Next-Gen Jammer upgrade for US navy under $192million deal
The development of the Next-Generation Jammer Mid-Band system and its expansion upgrade will be a joint effort between the Royal Australian Air Force and US Navy to meet emerging electronic warfare threats.
-
![Pratt & Whitney granted $1.3 billion for F135 core upgrade]()
Pratt & Whitney granted $1.3 billion for F135 core upgrade
The contract award followed on from the preliminary design review of the F135 Engine Core Upgrade in July 2024. Work on the upgrade will be expected to be completed by March 2028.
-
![Lockheed Martin bags $3.2 billion US Air Force contract for JASSM and LRASM]()
Lockheed Martin bags $3.2 billion US Air Force contract for JASSM and LRASM
Lockheed Martin will supply the missile systems to the militaries of Japan, Finland, Poland and the Netherlands, with work carried out at Lockheed Martin’s facilities in Orlando until mid-2032.
