The UH-60J Black Hawk is a four-blade, twin-turboshaft medium-lift military utility helicopter manufactured under license by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI), and is based on the Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk. Originally built as a search-and-rescue (SAR) platform for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF), VIP-configured Black Hawks appear in The Early Days OVA episodes "Longshot" and "Go North, SV2!"
Design[]
In 1989, the JASDF selected the Sikorsky UH-60L as the platform to base its next SAR helicopter on, with MHI brought on board to handle manufacturing of the new model. The first UH-60J was manufactured by Sikorsky, with two additional examples fabricated by the American company before being assembled by MHI. The J-model Black Hawk is almost identical to the L-model, save for modifications made to better suit the needs of the JASDF.
Real-world Sikorsky UH-60L
The Black Hawk's four rotor blades are driven by a pair of General Electric T700 turboshaft engines, license-built by Ishikawajima-Harima Heavy Industries in Japan. Its main rotors themselves are fully-articulated, while the tail rotor is canted at a slight angle. The helicopter features a sizeable cabin, which is spacious enough to carry eleven seated troops in a troop transport configuration, or six stretchers in a medevac configuration. Its low-profile, slender shape allows the Black Hawk to be transported aboard a C-130 Hercules transport airplane with some disassembly.
Real-world Mitsubishi UH-60J
The J-model's specific upgrades were designed with both SAR missions and the needs of the JASDF in mind. External fuel tanks are carried on stub wings attached to the fuselage. An external rescue winch can be used to lower and retrieve personnel and equipment. A Japanese-built long-range surface-search radar, the SPH-105, was also installed. Underneath the nose, a forward-looking infrared (FLIR) camera turret was installed to enhance nighttime search operations. UH-60J's side windows were changed from flat panes to bubble-types, allowing on-board observers a better field of vision for visual search.
In the VIP configuration, the UH-60J appears to have had its radar, external fuel tanks, rescue winch, FLIR turret, and modified side windows removed, as these are not necessary for this role. A more luxurious interior than standard is likely equipped on Black Hawks used for VIP transport missions, along with specialized communications equipment.
Operational Use[]
The first UH-60J manufactured by MHI was delivered to the JASDF in 1991, and J-model Black Hawks would begin to enter service as SAR helicopters in 1992.
UH-60J (center) in formation with two SA365Ns
In 1998, the mayor of New York City arrived in Tokyo on a diplomatic mission to inspect the police department, in an effort to prepare for the establishment of a labor crime unit in America. Flying in formation with a pair of Metropolitan Police Department SA365N helicopters, the mayor was given an aerial tour of the city aboard a VIP-configured UH-60J before a formal luncheon. Outwardly, as well as from the mayor's perspective, the flight was executed as planned, but during the tour, Special Vehicles Section 2, Division 2 uncovered a plot by terrorist organization Beach House to attack the helicopter with a disguised rocket launcher. Following a tense defusal, the threat was averted and the visit continued as normal.
Later that year, rogue terrorists captured a Type-7B Brocken labor while it was in transit, but were soon found out by the Metropolitan Police Department. Special Vehicles Section 2 was deployed to intercept and eliminate the terrorist threat, an operation that required careful timing and planning. Personally overseeing the mission, Chief of the Metropolitan Police Security Division Kaiho arrived by Black Hawk to visit SV2 Captain Kiichi Goto for an update in the field. There, the chief received an update from the captain, and informed him that Schaft Enterprises Europe (SEE) would be assisting his unit on the operation. With SEE's help, the police managed to corner and stop the terrorists.
Specifications[]
General Characteristics
- Crew: 2 Pilots, 1-2 Aircrew
- Length: 19.8 m (65 ft)
- Height: 5.2 m (17 ft 1 in)
- Maximum Takeoff Weight: 9,750 kg (21,495 lb)
- Main Rotor Diameter: 16.4 m (53 ft 10 in)
Performance
- Maximum Speed: 265 km/h (165 mph)
- Range: 584 km (363 mi)
- Service Ceiling: 5,790 m (19,000 ft)
Gallery[]
