Japan’s Helicopter Fleet Set for Modernization with Honeywell Contract
Tokyo is bolstering its defense capabilities through a critically important modernization project for its H-60 and CH-47 helicopter fleets. Honeywell, an American technology company, has been awarded a contract to integrate advanced systems into these platforms, ensuring their continued effectiveness in contemporary operational environments.
Key Upgrades and Enhancements
The modernization effort focuses on enhancing communications, navigation, and power generation capabilities. These improvements are expected to significantly increase the reliability and overall performance of both helicopter types.
- Enhanced Communications: Modernized interaction systems for improved situational awareness.
- Advanced Navigation: Integration of cutting-edge navigation technology for precise positioning.
- Improved Power Generation: Upgraded power systems to support increased operational demands.
Honeywell’s Viewpoint
Matt Milas, president of Defense and Space at Honeywell Aerospace Technologies, emphasized the importance of this collaboration. These awards mark the continuing deepening of our relationship with the Defense Forces of Japan and underline the role of Honeywell as a confidence supplier of advanced aerospace technologies.
He further added, Our solutions are designed to improve the security, capacity and success of the missions of military helicopter operations, and we proud contribute to the next chapter of the modernization of Japan’s defense.
CH-47 Chinook Upgrades
The CH-47 helicopters will receive substantial upgrades, including:
- New T55-714a Engines: Enabling speeds of up to 170 knots.
- 45 kVA Power Unit: Providing increased power capacity.
- Advanced EGI System with M Code: Enhancing navigation accuracy and security.
- RDR-7000 Whether Radars: Improving weather detection capabilities.
- APN-209 altimeter: Ensuring precise altitude readings.
- Powerful LED Reflector: Enhancing visibility during operations.
These enhancements aim to improve the CH-47’s versatility, which is commonly used for heavy transport and humanitarian aid missions.
H-60 Black Hawk Upgrades
The H-60 helicopter fleet will also undergo significant modernization, including:
- New 60 kVA Generators: providing increased power capacity.
- Air Turbine Starter (ATS): Enhancing starting reliability.
- Shared Components: The H-60 will share several components with the CH-47, including the EGI M code systems, RDR-7000 radars, and APN-209 altimeter.
Honeywell states that these upgrades will provide the H-60 units with more advanced capabilities and greater resilience, leading to reduced maintenance needs.
Additional Procurement
Along with the Honeywell contract,Japan is also investing in new CH-47J/JA Block II systems. Kawasaki, a local company, will manufacture 17 of these helicopters. As reported in January,the Japanese defense portfolio will invest more than $1.45 billion in this procurement. This includes five J variant helicopters with improvements requested by the self-defense forces and 12 extended-range variants.
