According to some pictures released by the official account of the Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure District Corps, it is the first that the MCH-101 helicopter successfully achieves landing and takeoff from the Hatakaze-class destroyer.
According to some pictures released by the official account of the Maritime Self-Defense Force Kure District Corps, it is the first that the MCH-101 helicopter successfully achieves landing and takeoff from the Hatakaze-class destroyer.
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MCH-101 minesweeping and transport helicopter during exercise along with Hatakaze-class destroyer. (Picture source: JMSDF)
About the MCH-101 minesweeping and transport helicopter:
MCH-101 is an Airborne Mine Countermeasures (AMCM) and transport helicopter, operated by the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF). Modified by Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI), MCH-101 was derived from the EH-101 medium-lift helicopter, manufactured by AgustaWestland. The MCH-101 will replace the fleet of MH-53E that are in service with the JMSDF.
The MCH-101 helicopters are primarily deployed in minesweeping and transport missions. It will also be used to provide transport support for Antarctic exploration. The MCH-101 can be operated from shore as well as from JMSDF ships, such as Hyuga Class helicopter destroyers.
The mine countermeasures systems of MCH-101 helicopter are the AN/AQS-24A airborne minehunting system, the AN/AES-1 Airborne Laser Mine Detection System (ALMDS) and the MK 104 acoustic minesweeping device.
JDS Hatakaze, a Japanese Hatakaze class destroyer docked in Pearl Harbour. (Picture source: US Navy)
About the Hatakaze-class of guided-missile destroyers:
The Hatakaze class of guided-missile destroyers is a third-generation class of vessels in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). They were the first of the JMSDF's ships to have gas-turbine propulsion.
The ship is 150 m (492 ft 2 in) long, has a beam of 16.4 m (53 ft 10 in) and a draught of 4.8 m (15 ft 9 in). With a displacement of 4,600 tons, she has a complement of 260 personnel.
The ship is propelled by 2 × Kawasaki Rolls-Royce Spey SM1A gas turbines for cruising and 2 × Rolls-Royce Olympus gas turbines for high speed only. These engines can provide enough power for a top speed of more than 30 knots (35 mph; 56 km/h).
The ship carries RGM-84 Harpoon SSM, Standard missile MR SAM, ASROC anti-submarine rocket. It is fitted with 2 × 5"/54 calibre Mark 42 guns, 2 × 20 mm CIWS, 2 × Type 68 triple torpedo tubes.
