- Yes
- No
General OH-1 Information:
In the 1980’s the JGSDF was starting to look for a new scout/observation helicopter that would replace the aging OH-6D’s this replacement would be called the OH-X programme. Fuji, Mitsubishi and Kawasaki all submitted their proposals that would fulfill the requires of the programme, and in 1992 Kawasaki’s design was selected as the winner of the programme and development commenced in October of that year.
In 1996, the OH-1 Ninja made its first flight, propelled by two Mitsubishi TS1-M-10 motors that were entirely produced in Japan. Japan decided to purchase 250 OH-1s in total, and the JGSDF would begin using them as early as 2000. The Ninja has heads-up displays, liquid crystal multi-function display panels, armoured seats, and cockpit glass that is also armoured. The reality that the hydraulic system in the entire helicopter has been doubled increases survivability even more. A visual camera, thermal sensors, and a laser rangefinder are all part of the sensor turret. The OH-1 is regarded as being incredibly agile because it can execute rolls and loops without the helicopter being overly stressed. There are four Type 91 air-to-air missiles on the OH-1.
Four Type 91 air-to-air missiles are installed on the OH-1 for self-defense. Unfortunately, the OH-1’s manufacturing was slow and each unit was extremely expensive at 19 billion yen. These reasons led to the decision to stop OH-1 production in 2010 and have it supplement the OH-6D rather than supplant it. Due to this, only 38 units were produced in total, of which 37 are still in use by the JGSDF as of 2019. One of two OH-1s that experienced engine failures on the same day in 2015 crashed into the water. The OH-1 was subsequently grounded until lately, when it was cleared for use in flight missions as of March 2019.
History:
In 2011 to commemorate the 4th Anti-Tank Helicopter Squadron’s 19th Anniversary one of the squadron’s AH-1S’s was given distinctive markings with the original character Aoi Kisarzu which was created by the squadron personnel. The following year (2012) Illustrator Takashi Fujisawa got onboard with the project and created the designs for Kisarazu Yuzu and the other sisters.
By 2013 there were a total of 4 sisters:
Kisarazu Akane (eldest, First Lieutenant)
Kisarazu Aoi (second, Second Lieutenant)
Kisarazu Wakana (third, Leading Private)
Kisarazu Yuzu (youngest)
In 2011 the cost for the markings was ¥150,000 but in 2012 the price doubled to over ¥300,000. The money to cover the costs was raised by donations as well as the selling of character merch.
These sisters gained a lot of popularity in person as well online however higher ups in the JSDF were not happy with them and in 2013 the higher ups stopped the project.
This particular helicopter has lived on in the form of a model kit
Specs:
Crew: 2
Total length - 13.4m
Height - 3.8m
Overall width - 11.6m
Engines: 2 × Mitsubishi TS1-M-10, 884 SHP (659 kW)
Top speed: 270km/h
Armament:
4x Type 91/Type 91 Kai air-to-air missiles
Even though the helicopter would only have Air to Air I think it could be helpful to keep the skies clear in mixed battles
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