Kawasaki OH-1

OH-1
Role	Reconnaissance
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Aerospace Company
First flight	1996
Introduction	2000
Primary user	Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Number built	34 (2010)

The Kawasaki OH-1 (nickname: "Ninja") is a light military reconnaissance helicopter for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force, intended to replace the OH-6 Loach. As of March 31, 2009, 28 have entered service so far, complementing the existing fleet of 111 OH-6s.[1]

Development and design

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. Proposals to meet the OH-X requirement were submitted by Kawasaki, Fuji and Mitsubishi, with the Kawasaki design selected as the winner (with Fuji and Mitsubishi serving as subcontractors) on 18 September 1992.

The OH-1 is powered by two Mitsubishi TS1 turboshafts, driving a four-blade composite main rotor with a bearingless rotor hub, while a Fenestron-type rotor-in-tail fan is fitted instead of a more conventional Tail rotor. 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 AAMs, while the inner pylons capable of carrying external fuel tanks to extend endurance. No other armament is fitted.

The first of four prototypes OH-1s (designated XOH-1) made its maiden flight on 6 August 1996, with the remaining three all flying by March 1997, with deliveries of the four prototypes to the Japanese Defence Agency for service testing from June to August 1997.

Operational history

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

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

Variants

Kawasaki OH-1

• XOH-1: Prototypes
• OH-1: Observation helicopter

Operators

Japan

• Japan Ground Self-Defense Force

Specifications (OH-1)

General characteristics

• Crew: two, pilot and observer
• Length: 12.00 m (39 ft 4 in)
• Rotor diameter: 11.60 m (38 ft 1 in)
• Height: 3.80 m (12 ft 6 in)
• Disc area: 105.6 m² (1,136 ft²)
• Empty weight: 2,450 kg (5,400 lb)
• Max. takeoff weight: 4,000 kg (8,820 lb)
• Powerplant: 2 × Mitsubishi TS1-M-10 turboshafts, 660 kW (884 shp) each

Performance

• Maximum speed: 278 km/h (150 kn, 173 mph)
• Cruise speed: 220 km/h (120 kn, 137 mph)
• Range: 540 km (292 nmi, 336 mi)
• Service ceiling: 4,880 m (16,000 ft)

Armament

• 4 × pylons for disposable stores

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Bell ARH-70
• RAH-66 Comanche
• Tiger ARH
• Harbin Z-19
  

Related lists

• List of military aircraft of Japan
• List of helicopter models
  

References

• 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 85723 254 7.

External links

• Official JGSDF page
• Kawasaki Aerospace Division Helicopters
• TS1engine | Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd.