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FHI UH-X (Bell Model 412EPI)

2022 MODERN AIRCRAFT FUTURE FLIGHT

History

The Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF), which has just become the first export customer of the Bell V-22 Osprey tilt-rotor platform, has selected the Bell 412 as its new general-purpose transport amid heightened tensions with China tool. South China Sea. Choosing the proven 412 model was a good decision that guarantees cost-effective sourcing and on-time delivery. Bell products will be produced locally under license from Fuji Heavy Industries, beating out challengers from Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) and Airbus Helicopters, securing Fuji's near-term future in the Japanese rotorcraft market.

FHI's strength lies in working with Bell to produce an early brand of the famous Vietnam War UH-1 "Huey"/"Iroquois" transport helicopter. This product is one of the most recognizable and popular helicopters of the Cold War decades. The last UH-1J built by FHI came out in 2007.

The Type 412 became the FHI entry for the Japan Self-Defense Forces "UH-X" helicopter competition, originally won by Kawasaki in 2012. Kawasaki lost the bid when the government pulled the pledge over alleged bid rigging.

Fuji has been driving the Bell 412 since 2009 and secured a new order in 2015 based on its proven track record, its experience with Bell products and its commitment to delivery and performance. Choosing the Type 412 means the Huey series will be in production and in service longer than ever, more than 55 years since the original single-engine UH-1 was introduced to the U.S. military.

A much-improved brand followed with a twin-engine arrangement.

Fuji locally built the UH-1H as the UH-1J, these engines were equipped with 2 Allison T53-L-703 turboshaft engines, 1,800 hp each. Vibration reduction systems, night vision goggle mounts and infrared-based countermeasures are part of the local improvements.

In 1981, Bell introduced the Model 412 and since then more than 870 examples have been delivered. This model is based on the earlier Bell 212, but as part of its major refinement features a four-blade composite main rotor. Early Bell 212s had a two-blade main rotor.

The Bell 412 also formed the basis for the Canadian Army's 1995 CH-146 "Griffin" series, 100 of which were built.

The Type 412 has produced quite a few variants since its introduction. The Model 412 is marked with the standard version of the Pratt & Whitney Canada (P&WC) PT6T-3B engine. The 412 EPI model became the "glass cockpit" version with the electronically controlled P&WC PT6T-9 engine and was the predominant model for the US market. Exactly, this model series will appear in the JSDF inventory. The Japanese military is expected to remain largely loyal to the U.S. product, retaining its PT6T engine (military designation "T400"), but with more modern airborne systems for the Japanese Self-Defense Forces surface operations.

The twin-engine layout, a requirement of the UH-X program, will provide enhanced water survivability when transporting Japanese troops to island hotspots in the region. The two engines power a single gearbox, which in turn manages the functions of the four-blade main rotor and the two-blade tail rotor (mounted on the port side).

The UH-X Type 412 will no doubt support the installation of a variety of weapons, including missile casings, gun casings and door cannons. Fixed undercarriage eliminates the need for more complex retractable undercarriages.

Interior seating will accommodate two flight crew members and up to eleven combat readiness troops. In addition to its obvious military applications, the UH-X is also expected to play its due role in humanitarian aid.

As of this writing (2015), UH-X is expected to be procured in a total of 150 systems, with development scheduled to begin before the end of 2015. Production is scheduled to continue into the early 2040s to further extend the life of the UH-1 series.

FHI will also offer a civilian market form to fill the gap in the expected military series order. Potential customers can be regional partners in Korea and elsewhere. Delays aside, the UH-X should be the mainstay of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in 2021.

The Japanese Navy is also currently looking for its own universal troop transport and also has a program called "UH-X", although the two programs are separate and add to the confusion.