Indeed,
Paul van der Linden wrote:I believe that JAMCO does overhauls on the JMSDF TC-90 fleet? These are probably the aircraft involved.
JAMCO overhauls JMSDF TC-90's and JGSDF LR-2's, amongst others. Last august we saw a new LR-2 being prepared for delivery to the army. However, as mentioned before, the footage shown was of a JMSA Beech 200, either at JAMCO or operationally with the coast guard unit at Sendai.
Although totally irrelevant compared to the total suffering and devastation caused by the massive earthquake and tsunami, what do we at this moment know about the aircraft losses? Not much, understandably, but we can at least start a run-down. It's too early to tell if affected aircraft are merely damaged or write-off's, the latter is in most cases very likely, because of the force of the tsunami and salt-water corrosion.
Sendai:
Airport completely flooded. Video footage shown of damaged light aircraft and a JMSA Be.200. Presence of about 3 military aircraft on overhaul with JAMCO likely. Status of the JMSA unit at Sendai unknown.
Matsushima AB:
Airbase completely flooded. Photographic evidence of at least six F-2B's damaged (one appears to be 23-8114), most likely more damaged inside the hangars. Also footage of a 21 Hikotai T-4 swept away by the tsunami, and a damaged UH-60J of the Matsushima Kyunantai. More damaged UH-60's and U-125A's (BAe.125) likely. 11 Hikotai (Blue Impulse) was not home at the time of the disaster, however the one or two spare aircraft left at the base will be damaged. One photo shows the group of preserved aircraft behind the main gate were also flooded and damaged.
Misawa AB:
According to the US base website there is little damage, power outages seem to be the biggest problem. We can assume the museum adjacent to the base is also unaffected.
Hachinohe AB:
Unknown, the area is heavily affected but because of the airfield's elevation it was probably not flooded, despite its proximity to the sea.
Kasuminome AAB:
A Japanese spotter reports that Kasuminome is being used in the relief efforts, therefore we can assume it is not heavily affected.
Ominato AS:
Unknown. However SH-60J 8276 was seen on video during the relief efforts, this helicopter was last reported as with 25 Kokutai at Ominato, therefore it's possible the small airfield is still in operation.
Also noted helping in the relief efforts is UH-60J 18-4552 of the Hamamatsu Kyunantai. It's in a special anniversary livery now.
Feel free to comment and add when new information comes to light.
Regards,
Marco
