Kawasaki OH-1

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OH-1
JGSDF OH-1 (32634) in Camp Yao.jpg
A Kawasaki OH-1 on display
Role Scout/observation helicopter
Manufacturer Kawasaki Aerospace Company
First flight 6 August 1996
Introduction 2000
Status In service
Primary user Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Produced 1996-present
Number built 38 as of 2014

The Kawasaki OH-1 (nickname: "Ninja")[1] is a military scout/observation helicopter for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, intended to replace the OH-6D Loach. As of March 2014, 38 have entered service, complementing the existing fleet of OH-6D.[2][3]

Development and design

Electro-optical sensor on top of the OH-1

In the late 1980s, the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force developed a requirement for a new scout/observation helicopter to replace its Kawasaki license-built OH-6Ds, which became the OH-X programme.[4] Proposals to meet the OH-X requirement were submitted by Kawasaki, Fuji and Mitsubishi. The Kawasaki design selected as the winner (with Fuji and Mitsubishi serving as subcontractors) on 18 September 1992.[4]

The OH-1 is powered by two Mitsubishi TS1 turboshaft engines, driving a four-blade composite main rotor with a bearingless rotor hub, while a Fenestron-type rotor-in-tail fan (tail rotor) is fitted.[4] An electro-optical sensor turret is roof-mounted forward of the rotor head, containing a forward looking infrared sensor, a laser rangefinder and a colour TV camera. Four hardpoints are fitted under stub wings to allow the carriage of external stores, with a total capacity of 132 kg (291 lb). The outer pylons can carry four Type 91 guided surface-to-air missiles, while the inner pylons capable of carrying external fuel tanks for additional range or endurance.[4] No other armament is fitted,[4] but the OH-1 design could be modified to an attack profile with an improved engine and avionics.[5]

The first of four OH-1 prototypes (designated XOH-1) made the type's maiden flight on 6 August 1996. All prototypes were flying by March 1997. The four prototypes were delivered to the Japanese Defence Agency for service testing from June to August 1997.[6]

Production began in 1998,[6] with the Ground Self-Defense Force initially planning to purchase between 150[4] and 200 OH-Xs.[6] That would be far fewer than the 297 OH-6Ds KHI had through March 1995, and even this goal could fall prey to defense budget cuts. Procurement has been slow with only a few aircraft purchased each year, such as two 2 OH-1s purchased in 2004.[7]

Operational history

The OH-1 is slated to replace the Hughes OH-6D, which remains in service as the primary aircraft in this role.

Variants

Kawasaki XOH-1 prototype on display at the Kakamigahara Aerospace Science Museum
  • XOH-1: Prototype version
  • OH-1: Observation helicopter

Operators

 Japan

Specifications (OH-1)

General characteristics

  • Crew: 2 (pilot and observer)
  • Length: 12 m (39 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
  • Empty weight: 2,450 kg (5,401 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 4,000 kg (8,818 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × #REDIRECT Template:Interlanguage link
  • This is a redirect from a page that was merged into another page. This redirect was kept in order to preserve this page's edit history after its content was merged into the target page's content. Please do not remove the tag that generates this text (unless the need to recreate content on this page has been demonstrated) nor delete this page. For more information follow the bold category link.
    • For redirects with substantive page histories that did not result from page merges use {{R with history}} instead. turboshaft engines, 660 kW (890 hp) each
  • Main rotor diameter: 11.6 m (38 ft 1 in)
  • Main rotor area: 105.7 m2 (1,138 sq ft)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 278 km/h (173 mph; 150 kn)
  • Cruising speed: 220 km/h (137 mph; 119 kn)
  • Range: 550 km (342 mi; 297 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 720 km (447 mi; 389 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 4,880 m (16,010 ft)

Armament

  • Hardpoints: * 4 × pylons for rockets, gun pods, anti-tank missiles, or Type 91 air-to-air missiles

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
Related lists

References

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  2. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  3. ↑ http://www.khi.co.jp/english/aero/product/helicopters/oh_1.html
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 4.3 4.4 4.5 Aoki 1999, pp. 37-44.
  5. ↑ http://www.military-today.com/helicopters/kawasaki_oh1.htm
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Taylor 1999, p.305.
  7. ↑ Sobie, Brendan. "Defence cuts force Japan to slow helicopter output". Flight International, 13–19 January 2004. p.18.
  8. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
  • Aoki, Yoshimoto. "Kawasaki OH-1". World Air Power Journal. Volume 38, Autumn/Fall 1999. London:Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1-86184-035-7. ISSN 0959-7050. pp. 36–45.
  • Taylor, Michael J.H. Brassey's World Aircraft & Systems Directory 1999/2000. London:Brassey's, 1999. ISBN 1-85753-245-7.

External links

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