Leonardo wins contract from Japan Navy for additional MCH-101 naval helicopter.

According to a PR published by Leonardo on June 20, 2023, Leonardo and Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) have entered into a contract for additional MCH-101 naval helicopters for the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) and initiated a mid-life update (MLU) program for these helicopters in Japan.
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Japanese Navy's MCH-101 naval helicopter. (Picture source: JMSDF)

The MCH-101 is a licensed variant of the globally renowned Leonardo AW101 helicopter. This latest contract signing coincides with a 20-year collaborative milestone between Leonardo, KHI, and Marubeni Aerospace Corporation in the helicopter market and the Japanese AW101 programme.

JMSDF operates ten MCH-101s for mine countermeasure and transportation tasks, as well as three CH-101s for utility transport supporting Japan’s Antarctic research activities, ensuring fleet commonality.

The current year marked the start of an update programme aimed at upgrading a portion of the aircraft fleet to the latest avionics configuration for the MCH-101. This update aligns with the new helicopters' configuration, facilitating the enhancement of JMSDF's operational efficiency.

Over the last two decades, Leonardo, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and Marubeni Aerospace have joined forces on the MCH-101 project. KHI has led as the primary contractor while Leonardo offered technical support for the platform. Meanwhile, Marubeni Aerospace Corporation, serving as Leonardo’s Distributor, manages spares, ground support equipment, and services.

KHI delivered the first AW101 aircraft to JMSDF on 24 May 2006, and in 2015, the first Airborne Mine Counter Measures-equipped MCH-101 was delivered.

The AW101/MCH-101 primarily undertakes Airborne Mine Counter Measure tasks, with its unique 3-engine configuration enabling safe operations during low-altitude and slow-speed towing. The first aircraft started its operational service in 2016, and the operator achieved over 25,000 flight hours in 2021.

Leonardo's helicopters have been operational in Japan since the mid-1980s across various crucial programmes. Currently, around 160 Leonardo helicopters of different types serve with the JMSDF, Coast Guard, Police and Fire Service, and specialized operators for medical and commercial services.

About the helicopter

Built with an aluminum alloy and composite materials, the MCH-101 offers a spacious cabin for enhanced transport capacity and operational efficiency. It can house up to 36 troops and has a rear ramp for cargo and passenger loading.

Equipped with three engines, a high-performance five-blade main rotor, and an active anti-vibration system, it ensures superior flight characteristics and high safety levels. The aircraft, which measures 22.8m in length, 18.6m in rotor diameter, and 6.6m in height, has a gross weight of 14,800kg.