Seeking to strengthen the capabilities of its heavy-lift helicopter fleet, Japan has awarded Kawasaki Heavy Industries a new contract to manufacture 17 CH-47 Block II helicopters, in a deal worth over $1.458 billion. According to the agreement signed by both parties, 5 units will be produced in the locally customized CH-47J variant, while the remaining 12 will be of the extended-range CH-47JA version.

Delving into details of the new contract, it is noteworthy that the Japanese government has requested the Block II variant of the helicopter, which features more advanced structure, fuel system, and transmission, improving performance at the cost of increased platform weight. As Boeing, the original manufacturer, confirms, Japan becomes the fourth international customer to order CH-47s to this standard, joining the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia.

Among its new features, the integration of the Honeywell T55-GA-714A engines stands out, providing the CH-47 with significantly higher power, which translates into the ability to carry heavier loads (up to 11,793 kilograms internally and 14,069 kilograms externally), extend its range, and operate at higher altitudes. Furthermore, the manufacturer highlights that the new propulsion system utilizes fuel more efficiently, potentially reducing operational costs.

Another improvement to consider is the use of new composite materials in the fuselage and rotor blades, enhancing the platform’s durability in terms of maintenance. Designed with the wear and tear of tropical and maritime environments in mind, these materials aim to increase the helicopter’s resistance to corrosion damage and reduce vibrations during flight. Additionally, upgrades to the CH-47’s avionics have been introduced, offering improved communication and navigation systems, as well as enhanced aircraft handling.

It is worth recalling that the relationship between Japan’s Self-Defense Forces and the Chinook platform dates back several decades, with these helicopters first arriving in Japan in the late 1970s. Since then, various technological upgrades have been integrated, primarily aimed at enhancing the aircraft’s capabilities for deployment in mountainous terrain and remote islands with difficult access. For Japan, the CH-47 has remained one of the main pillars of its logistics and air transport strategy, serving both its military operations and humanitarian missions.

Images used for illustrative purposes.

You may also like: U.S. approves the sale of additional JASSM-ER missiles for Japan’s F-15J and F-35A/B fighter jets

Publicidad

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.