STRATFORD, Conn., Dec. 9 (UPI) -- Japan's military is receiving 40 advanced UH-60J search-and-rescue helicopters from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The helicopters, ordered by Japan's Ministry of Defense, will be built by Mitsubishi under license from Sikorsky Aircraft Corp.
Sikorsky said the new fleet will replace 40 MHI-built UH-60J search-and-rescue helicopters in operation with the Japanese military 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 $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 updates include satellite communications and a collision avoidance system.
