Airbus Pitches New Design For Japan’s Utility Military Helicopter Program

Airbus helicopters has offered a new design for Japan’s 150 UH-X Utility Military Helicopter development program.

The new design will not be based on its H160 and would be designed for UH-X requirements although Japan has opted for Fuji Heavy Industries and Bell Helicopter for the development of UH-1 replacement for its Ground Self-Defense Force after rejecting Airbus’ bid with Kawasaki Heavy Industries.

The Airbus-Kawasaki bid “was not based on the H160, was not a derivative of the H160.” Airbus Helicopters CEO, Guillaume Faury was quoted as saying to local media by Aviation Today news website.

The proposed helicopter would be designed for the UH-X requirements and also for commercial applications all over the world, Faury said.

“I believe we had the right approach and the right offer. I don’t give up. I want to believe that we can convince the military of Japan to reconsider what we have offered in terms of operational capabilities, operational costs,” he added.