Japan’s Self-Defense Forces have placed an order for 17 CH-47JA Block II Chinook helicopters. The helicopters will be co-produced by Boeing and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI). This makes Japan the fourth customer for the CH-47 Block II Chinooks.
The Japanese Self-Defense Forces currently operate over 100 Chinooks, including 83 CH-47J/JA models that are between two and 38 years old. Heather McBryan, vice president and program manager of Boeing Cargo Programs, stated: “This award strengthens our decades-long relationship with KHI and provides critical capability improvements that will keep the Japan Self-Defense Forces operating heavy-lift aircraft for decades to come.”
Kawasaki began manufacturing the CH-47J in 1984 and has been producing the improved CH-47JA since 1993. The enhancements include a larger fuel tank and additional features like a weather radar in the nose. The Japanese Air Self-Defense Force operates 15 of these helicopters, while the remainder is used by the Ground Self-Defense Force.
The new Block II Chinooks will feature increased fuel capacity, which is beneficial for Japan’s long-range needs as an island nation. These helicopters offer several advancements such as new Honeywell T55-714C turboshaft engines, redesigned flight control systems with Digital Automatic Flight Control System (DAFCS), a glass cockpit with Updated Common Avionics Architecture System (CAAS), reinforced airframes, better fuel tanks, reduced weight ballistic protection systems, and new rotor blade designs.
Heather McBryan also noted: “The Block II configuration and digital flight controls will modernize and significantly improve Japan’s helicopter transport capabilities by improving aircraft stability, safety, and efficiency.” The improved avionics, payload capacity, range, engines, and rotors of the Chinook Block II will enhance Japan’s ability to respond to disasters and other threats effectively.
