Roll-out first XSH-60L for JMSDF

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) rolled out the first XSH-60L, serial 8501, at Nagoya on 1 October 2020. The new Seahawk is the successor to the SH-60K, which is at the moment replacing the last of the SH-60Js in service with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The exact upgrades for this new version are not known yet. During the first part of its test-programme it will be operated by the Acquisition, Technology and Logistics Agency (ATLA), part of Japan’s Ministry of Defence (MoD).

Although all new types for the JMSDF are in a red and white colour-scheme, we think its highly possible this XSH-60L is the modified XUH-60K 8901. This helicopter was intended to succeed the UH-60J rescue choppers, however development was halted after it was announced that the JMSDF would gradually stop SAR operations. This is to be performed by both the JASDF and Japan Coast Guard. The XUH-60K -serial 8901- was last seen at Akeno in December 2019, indicating enough time for the modifications.

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries manufactured 102 SH-60Js and 16 UH-60Js for the JMSDF, furthermore 69 SH-60Ks have been built with a possible eight still on order.

Photos: @kagakukougyou20 via Twitter