GIFU, Japan, April 25 (UPI) -- Boeing Co. announced the delivery of its C-130H aerial refueling tanker to the Japanese air self-defense forces at the Gifu prefecture in central Japan.
Boeing worked alongside its partners at Kawasaki Heavy Industries and Cobham Mission Systems on modifications for the C-130H for the Japanese military, the company announced.
Kawasaki modified the C-130H with air-to-air refueling pods developed by Cobham. Boeing, for its part, modified the affected structure, wiring and fuel system for the refueling tanker.
The C-130H was designed originally as a transport aircraft. The modified C-130H serves as a refueling tanker for the UH-60J search and rescue helicopter.
Ken Hill, director of special operations programs at Boeing, said his company took "great pride" in its work with the Japanese military, noting it was "an honor" to collaborate with all parties involved in the C-130H program.
The modified C-130H now enters into an operational testing phase for the Japanese military.
