Click here - to select or create a menu

Naval News

DEFEA 2021
  • News
  • Event News
    • Euronaval 2020
    • SNA 2020
    • MADEX 2019
    • PACIFIC 2019
  • Interviews
  • Videos
  • Advertising
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
Home» Event News» MAST Asia 2019»MAST Asia 2019: AH-1Z Would Be a Good Fit for JGSDF Amphibious Brigade – Bell

MAST Asia 2019: AH-1Z Would Be a Good Fit for JGSDF Amphibious Brigade – Bell

Xavier Vavasseur 17 Jun 2019

At MAST Asia 2019, the defense exhibition and conference currently held near Tokyo, Japan, Bell Helicopter is showcasing its combat-proven AH-1Z. The company is convinced that its Viper would be the right solution for the JGSDF.

Naval News sat down with Bell Helicopter’s John Woodbery, Asia Pacific Military Director, to find out more.

Naval News: Why do you think the AH-1Z is the right helicopter for Japan’s Self Defense Forces ?

John Woodbery: The Bell AH-1Z is the only marinized attack helicopter in the world that can operate off the ship and built for maritime operations, which best fit JGSDF’s remote island defense to provide maximum close air support for their Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade. 

Bell stand at MAST Asia 2019

Naval News: What is Bell’s current track record with the Viper ?

John Woodbery: First delivered to the United States Marine Corps in 2006, the AH-1Z is combat proven, serving the USMC in Afghanistan and Iraq. Recently, the Royal Bahraini Air Force confirmed its order for 12 Vipers, which will be delivered from the second half of 2022.

An AH-1Z Viper with Marine Medium Tiltrotor Squadron 161 (Reinforced), 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, lands aboard the USS Anchorage (LPD 23) during Amphibious Squadron/Marine Expeditionary Unit Integration Training (PMINT) at sea Feb. 23, 2015. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Jamean Berry/Released)

Naval News: Is the AH-1Z be fully compatible with the JMSDF Helicopter Destroyers (Izumo and Hyuga-class) as well as LST (Osumi-class)?

John Woodbery: The marinized AH-1Z will be fully compatible with the Izumo, Hyuga and Osumi class ships as it is designed to operate off ships. Marinization is more than just corrosion protection against saltwater. Electromagnetic interference is also one of the largest concerns for aircraft’s ship operation and the AH-1Z is built to ensure that a ship’s powerful radar does not interfere with its onboard systems.  Another aspect of marinization is around space management as space is limited on a ship. For example, the AH-1Z comes with foldable blades and its maintenance footprint is designed to be small.

Naval News: Would the JGSDF be getting a customized version of the Viper? Or a similar variant/standard as the ones currently in use with the USMC?

John Woodbery: It is too early to tell which version the JGSDF would be getting but we look forward to working closely with the JGSDF to ensure they have the right variant that meets their needs. That being said, it is clear that the JGSDF need an advance attack helicopter that can operate in a maritime environment and onboard a ship, which the AH-1Z is built to do. Finally, with the USMC presence in Okinawa, interoperability with the USMC is a key factor for the JGSDF. Selecting the AH-1Z, will enable the JGSDF to train and operate even more seamlessly with the USMC in Okinawa.  

Naval News: Regarding the Japanese V-22 program, how many units have been delivered so far? Is Bell on track?

John Woodbery: The Japanese V-22 program continues to progress well with production of the 17 required by Japan already started. The V-22 recently celebrated its 30th anniversary of its first flight in March this year and has around 360 aircraft operating globally with more than 450,000 flight hours.

Naval News: With the newly created Japanese Marine Corps, do you expect some rotary wing requirements to emerge for this new service?

John Woodbery: There is no new service creation on top of JGSDF, JMSDF and JASDF.  The JGSDF has various rotary wing fleets but their existing attack helicopters are not designed for battle in the maritime environment.  The change in threat environment has required JMOD to focus on the Southwestern island defense, which led to a creation of Amphibious Rapid Deployment Brigade (ARDB).  The Bell AH-1Z is built to operate both on land and sea, providing organic fire support to ARDB.

AH-1Z Bell Helicopter Helicopter MAST Asia 2019-06-17
Tags AH-1Z Bell Helicopter Helicopter MAST Asia
Facebook Twitter Stumble linkedin Pinterest More

Authors

Posted by : Xavier Vavasseur
Xavier is based in Paris, France. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Management Information Systems and a Master of Business Administration from Florida Institute of Technology (FIT). Xavier has been covering naval defense topics for nearly a decade.

Related Articles

HAL hands over ALH Dhruv Mk III to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard

HAL hands over ALH Dhruv Mk III to the Indian Navy and Coast Guard

Xavier Vavasseur 06 Feb 2021
Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) handed over three Dhruv Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH MK III) to the Indian Navy and two ALHs to the Indian Coast Guard.
US Navy launched effort for MH-60R/S and MQ-8B/C replacement

US Navy launched effort for MH-60R/S and MQ-8B/C replacement

Nathan Gain 01 Feb 2021
The US Department of Defense began an effort to replace the US Navy’s MH-60S/R Seahawk helicopters and MQ-8B/C Fire Scout UAVs.
US Coast Guard commissions another four MH-65E helicopters

US Coast Guard commissions another four MH-65E helicopters

Naval News Staff 12 Jan 2021
The US Coast Guard short range recovery helicopter program within the past month delivered four MH-65E helicopters: three to Air Station Port Angeles, Washington, and one to Aviation Training Center Mobile, Alabama.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Legal / Privacy Policy
About Us
Contact Us

© Naval News 2019 - 2020
All Rights Reserved