Mitsubishi H-60

{{Short description|Japanese anti-submarine/utility helicopter}} {{Use dmy dates|date=August 2024}} {{Infobox aircraft | name = H-60 | logo = | logo_size = | image = File:SH-60J landing (modified).jpg | alt = | caption = A JMSDF SH-60J Seahawk helicopter from {{JDS|Haruna|DDH-141|6}} lands on board {{USS|Russell|DDG-59|6}} in 2007. | long_caption = | other_names = | aircraft_type = ASW/SAR helicopter | aim = | outcome = | related = | national_origin = Japan <br> United States | manufacturer = Sikorsky Aircraft <br />Mitsubishi Heavy Industries | design_group = | designer = | builder = | issuer = | status = In service | owners = | primary_user = Japan Self-Defense Forces | more_users = | service = | major_applications = | proposals = | prototypes = | number_built = Over 250 | construction_number = | civil_registration = | military_serial = | radio_code = | requirement = | aircraft_carried = | flights = | total_hours = | total_distance = | construction_date = | introduction = 1991 | retired = | first_flight = 31 August 1987 | initiated = | in_service = | last_flight = | expected = | developed_from = Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk <br /> Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk | variants = | developed_into = | preservation = | fate = | predecessors = | successors = | concluded = }}

The '''Mitsubishi H-60''' series is a twin-turboshaft engine helicopter based on the Sikorsky UH-60 helicopter family for use by the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).<ref>[https://www.mhi.com/jp/products/defense/uh60ja_multi-purpose_helicopter.html Mitsubishi UH-60J]. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 23 April 2024.</ref>

The '''SH-60J/K/L''' are anti-submarine patrol versions for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).<ref name="mhi_sh60j">[http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/sh-60j_anti-submarine_helicopter.html Mitsubishi SH-60J] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080503004722/http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/sh-60j_anti-submarine_helicopter.html |date=2008-05-03 }}. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 10 December 2008</ref> The '''UH-60J''' is a search and rescue version for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and JMSDF. The '''UH-60JA''' is a utility version for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF).<ref name="mhi_uh">[http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/uh-60j_rescue_helicopter.html Mitsubishi UH-60J] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110927045249/http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/uh-60j_rescue_helicopter.html |date=2011-09-27 }}. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved: 15 March 2010.</ref>

==Design and development== ===SH-60J=== The JMSDF chose S-70B as the successor to the Mitsubishi HSS-2B Sea King (a licence-built version of the Sikorsky Sea King). When the SH-X (later SH-60J) project started, it was immediately after HSS-2B was put into service, so initially it was planned to integrate a mission system of HSS-2B with a bare aircraft of SH-60B, but finally a system newly developed by the TRDI was adopted. It is similar to LAMPS Mk.III in that the helicopter is equipped with a computer and connected to the mothership's combat direction system via a datalink, but it also has a dipping sonar as well as SH-60F.<ref name=MSO>{{Cite book|editor=Maritime Staff Office|year=2003|trans-title=History of 50 years of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force|script-title=ja:海上自衛隊50年史|language=ja| id={{NCID|BA67335381}}}}</ref> The Defense Agency ordered two XSH-60Js from Sikorsky for $27 million. Their first flights were on 31 August and in October 1987. The Defense Agency designated the model SH-60J. They were fitted with Japanese avionics systems and tested by the JMSDF.<ref>{{citation |title=Sikorsky SH-60B |work=All the World's Rotorcraft |publisher=Jane's Information Group |date=1 February 2010 |url=http://search.janes.com/Search/documentView.do?docId=/content1/janesdata/yb/jawa/jawa1458.htm@current&pageSelected=allJanes&keyword=Sikorsky%20SH-60B%20Seahawk&backPath=http://search.janes.com/Search&Prod_Name=JAWA& |url-access=subscription }}{{Dead link|date=August 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref>

The SH-60J is built in Japan under license from Sikorsky. It began deliveries in August 1991 and entered service thereafter. Based on a concept of the JMSDF, HQS-103 Dipping Sonar, HPS-104 active electronically scanned array Search Radar, and HLR-108 ESM System equipment of the avionics of SH-60B be different.<ref name=MSO /> The engine is the GE/IHI T700-IHI-701C turboshaft, which Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries produced under license from General Electric. It is a hybrid of the SH-60B and SH-60F, except for avionics. The crew includes a pilot, copilot and sensor operator. The copilot can concentrate on the role of tactical coordinator with the help of the Automatic Flight Management System and Inertial Navigation system.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/AFMS-controller-for-the-SH-60J-Japan.html "AFMS controller for the SH-60J"]. ''Jane's Avionics''. Jane's Information Group, 24 January 2007. Retrieved: 18 December 2008.</ref><ref>[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Avionics/Strapdown-Attitude-and-Heading-Reference-System-AHRS-for-the-SH-60J-Japan.html "Strapdown Attitude and Heading Reference System for the SH-60J"]. ''Jane's Avionics''. Jane's Information Group, 24 January 2007. Retrieved: 18 December 2008.</ref> Over 100 SH-60Js have been produced by 2007.<ref name=Leoni_p280>Leoni 2007, p. 280.</ref>

===SH-60K=== thumb|left|A JMSDF SH-60K, 21st Squadron The SH-60K is an upgraded version of the SH-60J.<ref name="mhi_sh60k">[http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/sh-60k_patrol_helicopter.html Mitsubishi SH-60K] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081204061335/http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/products/detail/sh-60k_patrol_helicopter.html |date=2008-12-04 }}, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. Retrieved on 10 December 2008.</ref> The SH-60K anti-submarine helicopter which strengthened performance and versatility for the JMSDF. Mitsubishi began development in 1997. The SH-60K has formerly known as SH-60Kai.<ref name="Janes_upgrade">[http://www.janes.com/extracts/extract/jau/jau_0953.html "Mitsubishi SH-60K Upgrade"]. Jane's, 11 June 2008.</ref> The Director General of the Defense Agency admitted adoption in March 2005.<ref name="sh60k_tec_rev">{{Cite web |url=http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/technology/review/pdf/e425/e425208.pdf |title=Development of SH-60K Patrol Helicopter |author=Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd |work=Technical Review |volume=42 |number=5 |date=December 2005 |access-date=6 January 2009 |archive-date=2 July 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130702215044/http://www.mhi.co.jp/en/technology/review/pdf/e425/e425208.pdf |url-status=dead }}</ref>

Mitsubishi developed new main rotor blade, Ship Landing Assist System, new avionics system, and other systems. Two prototypes SH-60Ks were built by modifying SH-60Js. These prototypes were completed and delivered by June 2002. The SH-60K's cabin was expanded in length by 30 cm (11.8 in) and in height by 15 cm (5.91 in) compared to the SH-60J.<ref name="sh60k_tec_rev"/> The larger cabin allows for the new avionics system.<ref>Goebel, Greg. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20031006085948/http://www.vectorsite.net/avs70_2.html#m4 "Seahawk in Foreign Service"]}}. Vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009.</ref> Those and the airframe changes are compensated by the exchange of the T700-IHI-401C2 engine. The first production SH-60K was delivered to JMSDF on 10 August 2005.<ref name="sh60k_tec_rev" />

In December 2022, the Japanese government decided to reduce the number of SH-60Ks deployed for maritime patrols and replace some SH-60Ks with Sea Guardian unmanned aerial vehicles. The Japanese government plans to increase its defense budget from 1.24% of GDP in fiscal 2021 to around 2.0% within 10 years, a decision made as part of efforts to use the budget efficiently.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2022-12-09 |title=Kūji sōsaku-ki ya Rikuji sentō-heri o haishi, mujin-ki de daitai e... bōei yosan kōritsuka |script-title=ja:空自捜索機や陸自戦闘ヘリを廃止、無人機で代替へ…防衛予算効率化 |trans-title=Japan Self-Defense Air Force and Ground Force to abolish their use of combat helicopters, replace them with drones... to streamline defense budget |url=https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20221209-OYT1T50038/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221209222859/https://www.yomiuri.co.jp/politics/20221209-OYT1T50038/ |archive-date=2022-12-09 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Yomiuri Shimbun |language=Japanese}}</ref>

=== SH-60L === thumb|250px|XSH-60L A further upgrade version of SH-60K has planned and in development since 2015 under an ATLA contract.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Takahashi |first=Kosuke |date=2023-12-29 |title=Japan completes new SH-60L naval combat helicopter development |url=https://www.navalnews.com/naval-news/2023/12/japan-completes-new-sh-60l-naval-combat-helicopter-development/ |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Naval News |language=en-US}}</ref> It will be equipped with a multi-static sonar system and a new adaptive control millimetric wave ultra-high-speed communication system (Click System) as well as improved engine transmission performance.<ref>{{Cite web |date=October 2014 |title=Un'yō kōsō-zu |script-title=ja:運用構想図 |trans-title=New multipurpose helicopter — Operational Concept Diagram |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/26/pdf/jizen_01_sankou.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190816221125/https://www.mod.go.jp/j/approach/hyouka/seisaku/results/26/pdf/jizen_01_sankou.pdf |archive-date=2019-08-16 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Ministry of Defense of Japan |language=ja-JP}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-06-17 |title=Denshi sōbi kenkyūjo |script-title=ja:電子装備研究所 |trans-title=Electronic Equipment Research Institute |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/atla/densouken.html |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190617200337/https://www.mod.go.jp/atla/densouken.html |archive-date=2019-06-17 |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=ATLA |language=ja-JP}}</ref>

The first flight of the prototype, XSH-60L, was carried out on May 11, 2021.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chen |first=Chuanren |date=2021-05-18 |title=Mitsubishi Completes First Flight Of Upgraded SH-60 Helicopter |url=https://aviationweek.com/defense-space/mitsubishi-completes-first-flight-upgraded-sh-60-helicopter |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Aviation Week}}</ref>

===UH-60J=== thumb|A JASDF UH-60J, Training Squadron In 1988, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force choose the UH-60L to replace its KV-107 and Sikorsky S-62 helicopters.<ref name=Leoni_p282>Leoni 2007, p. 282.</ref><ref name="Bishop_p40">Bishop 2008, p. 40.</ref> The first aircraft was built by Sikorsky, with the company designation S-70A-12, and two more were assembled by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.<ref name="mhi_uh" /><ref name="Vect_S-70">Goebel, Greg. {{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20040206061029/http://www.vectorsite.net/avs70_1.html Sikorsky S-70 Black Hawk]}}. Vectorsite.net, 1 April 2009. Retrieved: 21 December 2010.</ref> Mitsubishi is producing the remaining UH-60Js under license.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.upi.com/Defense-News/2010/12/09/Mitsubishi-wins-UH-60J-award/82801291904563/|title=Mitsubishi wins UH-60J award - UPI.com|website=UPI|access-date=9 May 2023}}</ref><ref>"[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-All-the-Worlds-Aircraft/Mitsubishi-Sikorsky-UH-60-Japan.html Mitsubishi (Sikorsky) UH-60 (Japan)]". ''Section Aircraft – Rotary-wing – Military, Jane's All the World's Aircraft''. Jane's Information Group, 27 January 2010. Retrieved: 24 September 2010.</ref> The Japan Marine Self-Defense Force also chose Search and rescue, and utility helicopters to replace the S-61A in 1989.

The UH-60J is powered by T700 engines license-built by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries in Japan. It features external fuel tanks, an external rescue winch, a Japan-built radar, a FLIR turret in the nose and bubble side windows for observers.<ref name="Bishop_p40"/> The Japan Air Self-Defense Force machines were fitted with T700-IHI-701A engines, while Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force machines were fitted with marinized T700-IHI-401C engines.<ref name="Vect_S-70" /> Fuel tanks can be attached to pylons on stub wings. The UH-60Js began deliveries in 1991 and entered service in 1992.<ref name="Bishop_p41">Bishop 2008, p. 41.</ref> A total of 40 UH-60Js were in service in 2010. The JASDF ordered 40 newer UH-60Js in December 2010 to begin replacing older UH-60Js.<ref>Waldron, Greg. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2010/12/09/350765/mitsubishi-wins-2.3bn-deal-for-40-uh-60js.html "Mitsubishi wins $2.3bn deal for 40 UH-60Js"]. ''Flight International'', 9 December 2010.</ref>

Mitsubishi and Sikorsky have teamed in support of the Self Defense Force's mission requirements. The UH-60J+ incorporates various upgrades for the modern SAR mission.<ref>[http://www.sikorsky.com/StaticFiles/Sikorsky/Assets/Attachments/NEWSLETTER/military/Frontlines_Q1_2009_issue15.pdf Sikorsky Frontlines Q1 2009] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121224133248/http://www.sikorsky.com/StaticFiles/Sikorsky/Assets/Attachments/NEWSLETTER/military/Frontlines_Q1_2009_issue15.pdf |date=2012-12-24 }}. Sikorsky, Q1 2009. Retrieved: 21 December 2009.</ref> By 2006 Defense budget of Japan, UH-60Js begin addition of Refueling probe in 2009.<ref>[https://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2008/24Part2_Chapter2_Sec3.pdf Section 3. Mid-Term Defense Program ] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130201011623/https://www.mod.go.jp/e/publ/w_paper/pdf/2008/24Part2_Chapter2_Sec3.pdf|date=1 February 2013}}</ref> These UH-60Js completed training with the United States Air Force and widened their activity in SAR mission.<ref>Angelique Perez. [https://www.kadena.af.mil/News/story/id/123142473/ "33RQS helicopter pilots give air refueling training to JASDF"]. US Air Force Kadena Air Base, 2 April 2009. Retrieved: 15 March 2010.</ref>

In service from December 1991 to July 24, 2024. Future SAR operations would be provided by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Japan Coast Guard.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-07-22 |others=Anytime Baby Aviation FC2 Blog |title=Japan Navy retires last UH-60J |url=https://www.scramble.nl/military-news/japan-navy-retires-last-uh-60j |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Scramble |publisher=Dutch Aviation Society |language=en-GB}}</ref>

===UH-60JA=== thumb|left|A JGSDF UH-60JA, Kasumigaura Aviation School The Japan Ground Self-Defense Force ordered a utility variant of the UH-60L designated UH-60JA in 1995.<ref name="Bishop_p41" /> The JGSDF began receiving the UH-60JA in 1997.<ref name="mhi_uh" /> It features improved avionics, including FLIR, Color weather radar, GPS receiver, a Night Vision Goggle compatible cockpit and wire cutter.<ref name="Vect_S-70" /><ref name="Bishop_p41" /> The JGSDF plans to acquire 70.<ref name="Leoni_p282-3">Leoni 2007, pp. 282–283.</ref>

The JGSDF plan was to replace its UH-1H helicopters which had become obsolete. Due to budgetary constraints it was decided to replace the rotary wing fleet with a high-low combination of UH-60JA and UH-1J (an updated UH-1H) with the UH-60JA being the high and the UH-1J the low.<ref>[http://www.janes.com/articles/Janes-Defence-Weekly-99/Japan-s-new-utility-helicopter-makes-debut.html "Japan's new utility helicopter makes debut"]. Jane's Information Group, 29 September 1999. Retrieved: 11 August 2010.</ref> By 2004, the budgetary constraints have driven the JGSDF to seriously consider eliminating either the UH-60JA or the UH-1J from the fleet, and purchasing just one type of airframe for the utility mission.<ref>Sobie, Brendan. [http://www.flightglobal.com/articles/2004/03/16/178913/japan-rethinks-helicopter-needs.html "Japan rethinks helicopter needs"]. Flight International, 16 March 2004. Retrieved: 11 August 2010.</ref>

==Variants== thumb|upright|JMSDF UH-60J lands aboard {{USS|Fitzgerald|DDG-62|6}} [[File:JASDF Mitsubishi UH-60J Black Hawk at Hyakuri Air Base.jpg|thumb|JASDF UH-60J, Hyakuri Air Rescue Wing]] [[File:JMSDF USH-60K Seahawk.jpg|thumb|JMSDF USH-60K #8901 of Air Development Squadron 51]]

*'''S-70B-2''': Version purchased from Sikorsky for research by the Defense Agency. *'''XSH-60J''': Prototype for SH-60J. 2 XSH-60Js were exported by Sikorsky. *'''SH-60J''': Seahawk version for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force produced by Mitsubishi under licence.<ref name="mhi_sh60j"/> *'''UH-60J''': Rescue helicopter license produced by Mitsubishi for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.<ref name=Leoni_p282/><ref name="Bishop_p40"/> *'''UH-60JA''': Utility version for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force based on the UH-60J.<ref name=Leoni_p282-3/> *'''USH-60K''': Among two prototypes, one was redesignated as evaluation type.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hikotai.net/datasheets/h60.htm|title=Mitsubishi-Sikorsky UH-60 BlackHawk / SH-60 SeaHawk|publisher=HIKOTAI.net|access-date=2010-12-22|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120310070915/http://www.hikotai.net/datasheets/h60.htm|archive-date=2012-03-10|url-status=dead}}</ref> *'''SH-60K''': Improved version of SH-60J. Trial manufacture finished in 2001, and deliveries began in August 2005.<ref name="mhi_sh60k" /> *'''SH-60L''': Improved version of SH-60K. Development began in 2015, deliveries started in 2022.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2023-12-27 |title=Update: Japan completes development of SH-60L helicopter |url=https://www.janes.com/osint-insights/defence-news/defence/update-japan-completes-development-of-sh-60l-helicopter |access-date=2024-08-02 |website=Janes |language=en}}</ref>

==Operators== ;{{JPN}} *Japan Air Self-Defense Force has 37 UH-60Js in operation as of March 2022.<ref name="doj2022">[https://web.archive.org/web/20221206231056/https://www.mod.go.jp/j/publication/wp/wp2022/pdf/R04shiryo.pdf Defence of Japan 2022 (Annual White Paper). p.53.] Japan Ministry of Defence</ref> UH-60Js Search and rescue wing. ** Air Rescue Wing Chitose Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Matsushima Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Ashiya Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Akita Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Hyakuri Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Nyutabaru Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Niigata Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Hamamatsu Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Naha Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Komatsu Detachment ** Air Rescue Wing Komaki Detachment (Training squadron) *Japan Ground Self-Defense Force has 40 UH-60JAs in operation as of March 2022.<ref name="doj2022"/> **15th Brigade ***No. 15 Helicopter Wing (Camp Naha): UH-60JAs Search and rescue squadron. **1st Helicopter Brigade ***No. 102 Squadron (Camp Kisarazu): UH-60JAs Subsidiary Air assault unit. **12th Brigade ***No. 12 Helicopter Wing 1st Squadron (Camp Kita-Utunomiya) **Western Army Aviation Group ***Western Helicopter Wing (Camp Metabaru) **Kasumigaura Aviation School **Educational Support Squadron *Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has 12 SH-60Js and 75 SH-60Ks in operation as of March 2022.<ref name="doj2022"/> **No. 21 Squadron (Tateyama Air Base): Fleet Air Force (SH-60J and SH-60K). **No. 22 Squadron (Ōmura Air Base): Fleet Air Force. **No. 51 Squadron (Naval Air Facility Atsugi): Operational Evaluation Unit. **No. 72 Squadron (Tateyama Air Base, Ominato Naval Base and Iwojima Air Base): UH-60Js Search and rescue squadron. **No. 73 Squadron (Ōmura Air Base, Tokushima Air Base and Kanoya Air Base)

==Accidents== On 26 August 2017, a Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force SH-60J crashed in the Sea of Japan off Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. The helicopter was conducting takeoff and landing drills and had taken off from the destroyer Setogiri. It was based at the JMSDF's Ominato base in Mutsu in Aomori. One crew member was rescued, the other three were missing.<ref>{{cite news |author= |title=MSDF helicopter crashes in Sea of Japan, 3 aboard missing |url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170827/p2g/00m/0dm/001000c |work=Mainichi Shimbun |date=August 27, 2017 |access-date=October 26, 2017 |archive-date=October 26, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026110821/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20170827/p2g/00m/0dm/001000c |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= |title=MSDF chopper goes down off Aomori; three missing |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/08/27/national/msdf-chopper-goes-off-aomori-three-missing/#.WfFJ_YZx1o4 |work=Japan Times |date=August 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171026123623/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/08/27/national/msdf-chopper-goes-off-aomori-three-missing/|archive-date=2017-10-26}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= |title=Crew member rescued after Japanese Seahawk crashes into sea; 3 still missing |url=https://www.stripes.com/crew-member-rescued-after-japanese-seahawk-crashes-into-sea-3-still-missing-1.484751 |work=Stars and Stripes |date=October 28, 2017 |access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref> The JMSDF attributed the crash to human error.<ref>{{cite news |author= |title=Human error likely caused Seahawk crash in Sea of Japan, officials say |url=https://www.stripes.com/human-error-likely-caused-seahawk-crash-in-sea-of-japan-officials-say-1.487075 |work=Stars and Stripes |date=September 11, 2017 |access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref> The wreckage was later discovered at a depth of around 2,600 meters.<ref>{{cite news |author= |title=MSDF helicopter that crashed in August found on seabed off Aomori Pref. |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171028222709/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171025/p2a/00m/0na/014000c|archive-date=2017-10-28|access-date=2024-07-27|url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20171025/p2a/00m/0na/014000c |work=Mainichi Shimbun |date=October 25, 2017}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last=Burke |first=Matthew M. |date=October 25, 2017 |title=Wreckage of Japanese Seahawk that crashed in summer found at bottom of sea |url=https://www.stripes.com/wreckage-of-japanese-seahawk-that-crashed-in-summer-found-at-bottom-of-sea-1.494347 |work=Stars and Stripes |access-date=October 26, 2017}}</ref> The wreck was salvaged in October and two bodies were found, that of the pilot and co-pilot. One crew member remains missing.<ref>{{cite news |author= |title=Wreck of salvaged MSDF chopper off Aomori yields two bodies; search for fourth sailor continues |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/10/27/national/msdf-chopper-crashed-off-aomori-august-salvaged-seabed/#.WfaJ7oZx1sM |work=Japan Times |date=October 27, 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171027053153/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/10/27/national/msdf-chopper-crashed-off-aomori-august-salvaged-seabed|archive-date=2017-10-27|access-date=2024-07-27}}</ref>

On 17 October 2017, UH-60J 58-4596 of the Air Rescue Wing Hamamatsu Detachment crashed into the sea off Shizuoka Prefecture while conducting night rescue drills. Some wreckage was found but the four crew members were not located.<ref>{{cite web |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018165546/https://www.janes.com/article/75008/four-jasdf-personnel-missing-following-uh-60j-helo-crash-off-coast-of-shizuoka-prefecture|archive-date=2017-10-18|access-date=2024-07-27|url=http://www.janes.com/article/75008/four-jasdf-personnel-missing-following-uh-60j-helo-crash-off-coast-of-shizuoka-prefecture |title=Four JASDF personnel missing following UH-60J helo crash off coast of Shizuoka Prefecture |last=Takahashi |first=Kosuke |date=October 18, 2017 |website=janes.com |publisher=Jane's Information Group }}</ref><ref>{{cite news |author= |title=Helmets found in waters off Shizuoka Prefecture where ASDF chopper with four aboard apparently crashed |url=https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/10/18/national/debris-found-off-hamamatsu-asdf-chopper-four-aboard-apparently-crashed/#.WfAzZ4Zx1sM |work=Japan Times |date=October 18, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171018042440/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/10/18/national/debris-found-off-hamamatsu-asdf-chopper-four-aboard-apparently-crashed|archive-date=2017-10-18|access-date=2024-07-27}}</ref> Major searches continued with SDF assets with other parts recovered.<ref>{{cite web |author= |date=October 20, 2017 |title=Bōei Daijin kisha-kaiken gaiyō |script-title=ja:防衛大臣記者会見概要 |trans-title=Summary of Defense Minister's Press Conference |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/kisha/2017/10/20.html |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171111174234/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2017/10/18/national/debris-found-off-hamamatsu-asdf-chopper-four-aboard-apparently-crashed/ |archive-date=2017-11-11 |access-date=November 20, 2017 |website=Ministry of Defense of Japan |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |author= |date=October 21, 2017 |title=Hamamatsu kyūnan-tai UH-60J, Rikuji heri ga kaigansen sōsaku; mujin tansa-ki de kaichū sōsaku mo kentō |script-title=ja:浜松救難隊UH-60J、陸自ヘリが海岸線捜索無人探査機で海中捜索も検討 |trans-title=Hamamatsu Search and Rescue UH-60J, Japan Self-Defense Ground Forces helicopters search coastline; undersea drones under consideration |url=http://flyteam.jp/news/article/85759 |access-date=November 20, 2017 |website=FlyTeam |language=ja}}</ref> A private salvage company started work from 2 November and located part of the fuselage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mod.go.jp/j/press/kisha/2017/11/17.html |script-title=ja:防衛大臣記者会見概要 |author= |date=November 11, 2017 |website=mod.go.jp |access-date=November 20, 2017 |language=ja}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://flyteam.jp/airline/japan-air-self-defense-force/news/article/87062 |title=航空自衛隊、11月17日から浜松救難隊UH-60Jの機体引き揚げに着手 |author= |date=November 20, 2017 |website=flyteam.jp |access-date=November 20, 2017 |language=ja}}</ref> In November, parts of the aircraft were recovered including the Flight Data Recorder (black box) from a location approximately 31 kilometers south of Hamamatsu Air Base.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mod.go.jp//asdf/news/houdou/H29/291126.pdf |title=浜松基地所属ヘリ（ＵＨ－６０Ｊ）のレーダー航跡消失について（第４報）|author= |date=November 26, 2017 |website=mod.go.jp |publisher=Japan Ministry of Defense |access-date=November 28, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://flyteam.jp/airline/japan-air-self-defense-force/news/article/87305 |title=浜松救難隊のUH-60J、海底からフライトデータレコーダーを回収 |author= |date=November 27, 2017 |website=flyteam.jp |access-date=November 28, 2017 }}</ref> On 29 November the body of one of the crew members was discovered in the wreckage.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.mod.go.jp//asdf/news/houdou/H29/291203.pdf |title=浜松基地所属ヘリ（ＵＨ－６０Ｊ）のレーダー航跡消失について（第６報） |author= |date=December 3, 2017 |website=mod.go.jp |access-date=December 4, 2017 }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://flyteam.jp/airline/japan-air-self-defense-force/news/article/87605 |title=浜松救難隊UH-60Jの海中捜索、搭乗員とみられる1名を収容 |author= |date=December 4, 2017 |website=flyteam.jp |access-date=December 4, 2017 }}</ref>

On 20 April 2024, two SH-60Ks carrying four crew members each crashed near Torishima Island during a nighttime anti-submarine warfare training operation. Contact with the first helicopter was lost at 10:38pm local time (13:38 UTC) with the second one being lost around 11:04pm (14:04 UTC). Japanese defense officials believe it is highly likely that the helicopters collided. Some wreckage, including flight data recorders, a blade from each aircraft, helmets, and other wreckage, were found by rescuers.<ref name="KyodoNews 21Apr24">{{cite news |title=2 Japan SDF choppers crash during drill leaving 1 dead, 7 missing |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/9b47bad77694-update3-2-japan-sdf-choppers-apparently-crash-in-pacific-7-missing.html |access-date=22 April 2024 |agency=Kyodo News |date=April 21, 2024}}</ref> One crew member is confirmed dead, while the other seven remain missing. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force sent 12 vessels and seven aircraft to aid in search operations. U.S. Ambassador to Japan Rahm Emanuel offered the United States's support with the search and rescue operation.<ref name="AP 21Apr24">{{cite news |last1=Yamaguchi |first1=Mari |title=2 Japanese navy helicopters crash in the Pacific Ocean during training, leaving 1 dead and 7 missing |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-helicopters-down-pacific-73f8ec2a05bf7ee4b77d08f778dd086e |access-date=22 April 2024 |work=AP News |date=April 21, 2024}}</ref><ref name="KyodoNews 22Apr24">{{cite news |title=Search continues for 7 crew after 2 SDF choppers crash in Pacific |url=https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/04/6a3532f6a54f-search-continues-for-7-crew-after-2-sdf-choppers-crash-in-pacific.html |access-date=22 April 2024 |agency=Kyodo News |date=April 22, 2024}}</ref> A JMSDF report published in July of that same year stated that the accident was caused by a lack of instructions to the crew from the commanding officers aboard the ships and a failure to keep a lookout and communicate with each other from the helicopters crews side.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web |date=9 July 2024 |title=Japan Navy helicopters' fatal crash caused by inadequate instructions to crew, says probe report |url=https://apnews.com/article/japan-military-helicopter-crash-seahawk-ea6b7abe53158c6f013d3a0a176f421d |access-date=14 July 2024 |website=AP News |language=en}}</ref> The same report also stated that all 8 occupants of the helicopters had died in the accident.<ref name=":0" /> The JMSDF reported that the bodies were found when the SH-60Ks were salvaged.<ref>{{Cite web | title=Bodies found in salvaged Japan's MSDF choppers that collided in 2024 - The Mainichi | url=https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250313/p2g/00m/0na/001000c | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250313082001/https://mainichi.jp/english/articles/20250313/p2g/00m/0na/001000c | access-date=2025-10-05 | archive-date=2025-03-13}}</ref>

==Specifications (SH-60J)==

{{Aircraft specs |ref=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-05<ref name=JAWA2005-05>{{cite book |title=Jane's All the World's Aircraft 2004-05 |editor1-last=Jackson |editor1-first=Paul |year=2004 |publisher=Jane's Publishing Group |location=London |isbn=0-7106-2614-2 |edition=95th|pages=333–334 }}</ref> |prime units?=met  |crew=3 flight crew + mission crew of up to 9 (SH-60J/K) |length m=19.8 |length note=including rotor{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |height m=5.2 |height note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |empty weight kg= |empty weight note= |gross weight kg= |gross weight note= |max takeoff weight kg=9750 |max takeoff weight note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |fuel capacity= |more general=  |eng1 number=2 |eng1 name=IHI Corporation-General Electric T700-IHI-401C |eng1 type=turboshaft engines |eng1 kw=1342 |eng1 note=

|rot number=1 |rot dia m=16.4 |rot dia note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |rot area sqm=211.26 |rot area note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} *'''Blade section:''' '''root:''' SC1095/SC1095R8; '''tip:''' Sikorsky SC1095<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>  |max speed kmh=265 |max speed note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |cruise speed kmh= |cruise speed note= |stall speed kmh= |stall speed note= |never exceed speed kmh= |never exceed speed note= |minimum control speed kmh= |minimum control speed note= |range km=584 |range note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |combat range km= |combat range note= |ferry range km= |ferry range note= |endurance= |ceiling m=5790 |ceiling note={{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |g limits= |roll rate= |climb rate ms= |climb rate note= |time to altitude= |wing loading kg/m2= |wing loading note= |disk loading kg/m2= |disk loading note= |fuel consumption kg/km= |power/mass= |thrust/weight= |more performance=  |armament= :* 2 × Mark 46 torpedo{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} :* 1 × 7.62 mm (.30 in) Type 74 machine gun{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} :* Type 74 torpedo{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} :* Type 12 torpedo{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} :* AGM-114 Hellfire<ref name="image">{{cite web |title=image |url=https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b2/AGM-114M_Hellfire_II_missile%28INERT%29_mounted_on_JMSDF_SH-60K%288404%29_left_front_view_at_Maizuru_Air_Station_July_29%2C_2017_02.jpg |website=wikipedia |access-date=2 November 2023}}{{Circular reference|date=March 2024}}</ref> :* Depth charge{{citation needed|date=November 2019}} |avionics= :* Japanese HPS-105 search radar :* Japanese ring laser AHRS :* Japanese automatic FMS :* Japanese datalink :* Japanese tactical processor :* Japanese display sub-system }}

==See also== {{Portal|Aviation}} {{aircontent |see also= |related= * Sikorsky CH-148 Cyclone * Sikorsky HH-60 Pave Hawk * Sikorsky MH-60 Jayhawk * Sikorsky S-70 * Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk * Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk |similar aircraft= * Harbin Z-20 * Kamov Ka-27 * NHIndustries NH90 |lists= * List of military aircraft of Japan * List of rotorcraft }}

==References== ;Notes {{Reflist|2}}

;Bibliography * Leoni, Ray D. ''Black Hawk, The Story of a World Class Helicopter'', American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, 2007. {{ISBN|978-1-56347-918-2}}. * Bishop, Chris. ''Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk'', Osprey Publishing, 2008. {{ISBN|978-1-84176-852-6}}.

== External links == {{Commons category}} * [https://www.mhi.com/products/defense/sh60j_anti-submarine_helicopter.html Official SH-60J website] * [https://www.mhi.com/products/defense/sh60k_patrol_helicopter.html Official SH-60K website] * [https://www.mhi.com/products/defense/uh60j_rescue_helicopter.html Official UH-60J/JA website] *[http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/sh-60j.htm SH-60J page] and [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/japan/uh-60j.htm UH-60J page]. GlobalSecurity.org. *{{Cite web|url=http://rightwing.sakura.ne.jp/equipment/jmsdf/aviation/sh-60j/sh-60j.html |title=SH-60J patrol helicopter |author=Rightwing |language=ja}}

SH-60, Mitsubishi UH-60, Mitsubishi H-60 Category:Military helicopters Category:1990s Japanese helicopters Category:Sikorsky S-70 Category:Japan–United States military relations Category:Twin-turbine helicopters Category:Aircraft first flown in 1987