Three JMSDF P-3C Orions flying in formation during 2011 In the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force ( JMSDF ), the Fleet Air Force ( japanese : 航空集団, romanized : kōkū shūdan ) is its naval aviation branch, responsible for both fixed-wing and circular aircraft [ 1 ] [ 2 ] and headquartered in Naval Air Facility Atsugi. [ 3 ] As of 2012, it was equipped with over 200 fixed-wing aircraft and 150 helicopters. These aircraft engage from bases throughout Japan, vitamin a well as from the JMSDF ‘s ships. [ 4 ] : 66
history [edit ]
The JMSDF ‘s first aircraft were 16 Lockheed P2V Neptune nautical patrol aircraft, which were provided to the military unit by the United States Navy in 1956. The US Navy besides provided Japan with 60 Grumman S-2 Trackers from 1957. [ 5 ] : 5 During the 1980s, the JMSDFs military unit of 82 Neptunes ( most of which were the locally built Kawasaki P-2J variant ) was replaced by about 100 Lockheed P-3 Orions. [ 5 ] : 10 The JMSDF ‘s beginning fight helicopters were the Mitsubishi HSS-2 ( the Japanese form of the Sikorsky SH-3 Sea King ). [ 5 ] : 13 These helicopters were replaced by SH-60Js during the 1990s. [ 5 ] : 14
Reading: Fleet Air Force (JMSDF) – Wikipedia
The JMSDF is the only wedge to operate minesweeping helicopters other than the US Navy. The first gear helicopters used for this purpose were eight V-107As. [ 5 ] : 11 These helicopters were replaced by eleven MH-53Es during the 1990s. Seven MCH-101 helicopters have been ordered to replace the MH-53Es, of which five had been delivered by mid-2012. [ 4 ] : 70 The Diet of Japan approved the alteration of the ships of the Izumo-class to operate STOVL aircraft and in 2019 ordered 42 STOVL Lockheed Martin F-35 Lightning IIs. [ 6 ] The US Marine Corps will at first operate in cooperation their own F-35Bs to build up a japanese capability to operate this type. The Asahi Shimbun quotes Japan ’ s Defense Minister Takeshi Iwaya “ The Izumo-class aircraft carrier character is to strengthen the breeze defensive structure in the Pacific Ocean and to ensure the safety of the Self-Defense Force pilots. ” He besides states, “ There may be no track available for the US aircraft in an hand brake. I can not say that the US F-35B should never be placed on an [ JMSDF ] escort vessel. ” [ 7 ] The current plan is for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force to operate the aircraft once delivered. [ 7 ]
equipment [edit ]
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force aviation maintains a big naval air out force, including 201 fixed-wing aircraft and 145 helicopters. Most of these aircraft are used in anti-submarine war operations .
stream organization [edit ]
The administration of the JMSDF ‘s air travel units is based on that of the US Navy. The main organizational units are Koku Shudan ( tune groups ), Kokugun ( air wings ), Kōkūtai ( breeze squadrons ) and Hikōtai ( flights ). [ 4 ] : 66 As at mid-2012, the structure of the JMSDF ‘s aviation units was as follows : [ 4 ] : 69
Kawasaki P-1
japanese MCH-101
ShinMaywa US-2 Fleet Air Force ( Atsugi Air Base )
JMSDF District Forces Units attached to Naval District destroyer fleets
- Kure District Fleet
- Komatsushima Air Squadron (SH-60J, Komatsushima Heliport)
- Ōminato District Fleet
- Ōminato Air Squadron (SH-60J, Ōminato Air Field)
- Ōminato Flight (UH-60J)
- Sasebo District Fleet
- Ōmura Air Squadron (SH-60J, Ōmura Air Base)
- Yokosuka District Fleet
- Shirase Flight (SH-60J, Tateyama Air Base)
Air Training Command
