The new Seahawk XSH-60L helicopter developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) has left the hangar. The platform was developed in accordance with the needs of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF). New technologies used in the XSH-60L, described as the successor to the SH-60K, are currently unknown. The platform will be operated by the Purchasing, Technology and Logistics Agency of Japan's Ministry of Defence during the initial testing phase.
The new platform is expected to replace UH-60J helicopters.
MHI has long produced aircraft for JMSDF. To date, the company has produced 102 SH-60Js, 16 UH-60Js and 69 SH-60Ks for its defence force.
211216-N-QI061-1222 NAVAL STATION MAYPORT, Fla. (December 16, 2021) An MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS), assigned to Unmanned Patrol Squadron 19 (VUP-19), sits on the flight line at Naval Station Mayport, Florida, Dec. 16, 2021. VUP-19, the Navy’s first Triton squadron, will continue to maintain and operate the aircraft off the East Coast to further develop the concept of operations and refine tactics, techniques, and procedures. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Nathan T. Beard/ Released)