New Multipurpose Helicopter UH-X Ordered

Tokyo, March 28, 2012—Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Ltd. announced today that it has received an order for a new multipurpose helicopter (Part 1) from the Japan Ministry of Defense (MOD).

The UH-X, a successor to the UH-1J, will be used by the Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) for a variety of missions including transport of goods and personnel.

The UH-X will be derived from the OH-1 observation helicopter, a production model developed and manufactured by Kawasaki for GSDF. By leveraging the technological and manufacturing base of OH-1, Kawasaki aims to reduce technological risks associated with development and appropriately control life cycle costs.

Kawasaki has a solid track record of delivering various helicopters to the MOD, including the OH-1 (as the prime contractor), OH-6 and the transport helicopter CH-47. Kawasaki also manufactures the MCH-101 airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) and transport helicopter for use by the Maritime Self-Defense Force.

As for commercial helicopters, Kawasaki jointly developed the first domestically manufactured helicopter BK117 with German company MBB (Messerschmitt-Bölkow-Blohm), currently ECD (Eurocopter Deutschland). Ever since its first delivery in 1983, Kawasaki has delivered a total of 153 helicopters for a wide spectrum of applications including firefighting, disaster relief, police operations, broadcasting and emergency medical services.

The latest order is a testament to Kawasaki's proven track record in the development, manufacture and servicing of various helicopters as well as its superior technology and reliability.

Kawasaki will push ahead with the development of UH-X and pursue its helicopter business with redoubled efforts.