Two Japanese SH-60K anti-sub warfare choppers collided in mid-air

A current occasion noticed two SH-60K anti-submarine helicopters operated by the Japan Naval Self-Protection Power, extra generally often called the Japanese Navy, crash close to Torishima Island, roughly 600 kilometers from Tokyo. Early indicators suggest a mid-air collision as essentially the most believable trigger.

Photograph credit score: Reddit

Furthermore, these helicopters, superior upgrades of the SH-60J, are manufactured in Japan by Mitsubishi. They’re successfully Sikorski S-70 equivalents, bearing similarities to the traditional Aegean Hawk of the U.S. Navy. On the time of the unlucky incident, the 2 helicopters have been concerned in a nighttime anti-submarine coaching train when all communication was abruptly misplaced.

Within the aftermath of the incident, a swift choice was made to droop all coaching operations involving the SH60K helicopters, whereas the investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident continues. Moreover, the Protection Ministry reported that the ill-fated helicopters originated from the Omura Air Power Base situated in Nagasaki Prefecture and Komatsushima Air Power Base in Tokushima Prefecture.

Spanish Navy successfully launched AGM-144 Hellfire missiles from SH-60B
Photograph credit score: Wikipedia

Listed here are the small print: At 10:38 p.m. on April 20, one helicopter misplaced contact, and inside a minute, an emergency name was acquired. Subsequently, the second helicopter’s transmission stopped at 11:04 p.m. Moreover, one crew member’s physique has since been recovered; nonetheless, seven others are nonetheless lacking. In line with the Japanese Prime Minister, the search and rescue operation within the space has up to now employed eight warships and 5 plane.

The Japan Meteorological Company didn’t present particular particulars concerning the climate situations concurrent with the incident however indicated there have been no climate warnings for the southern a part of the Izu Islands. For context, Torishima is a small, uninhabited island situated over 500 kilometers south of Tokyo. 

The Japanese Navy’s SH-60K is a extremely superior anti-submarine warfare helicopter. It’s a variant of the American Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk, which has been modified to fulfill the precise necessities of the Japan Maritime Self-Protection Power [JMSDF]. The SH-60K is designed to detect, monitor, and interact enemy submarines, enjoying a vital function in securing Japan’s maritime boundaries.

The SH-60K is provided with a complicated suite of sensors and weapon methods. Its major sensor is a dipping sonar which will be lowered into the water to detect submarines. The helicopter additionally carries sonobuoys—small sonar gadgets that may be dropped into the water to create a sonar community. This enables the SH-60K to look a big space for submarines shortly and effectively. 

As for its armament, the SH-60K carries anti-submarine torpedoes and depth expenses. These will be deployed from the helicopter to have interaction enemy submarines. For self-defense towards floor threats, the SH-60K comes outfitted with a machine gun. 

The SH-60K is designed for all-weather operations and is fitted with superior navigation and communication methods. It may possibly function each from land bases and ship decks, offering the JMSDF with a versatile and succesful anti-submarine warfare platform. 

American consultants have extremely counseled the SH-60K for its capabilities. They word that it’s a formidable anti-submarine warfare platform, able to detecting and fascinating fashionable submarines. The mix of superior sensors and weaponry, coupled with its operational flexibility, make it a useful asset within the JMSDF’s efforts to keep up maritime safety.

In January 2020, a Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk helicopter from the united statesBlue Ridge crashed within the Philippine Sea. The incident occurred throughout routine operations. Fortunately, all 5 crew members have been swiftly recovered by a U.S. Navy vessel, and there have been no reported fatalities. 

In August 2018, a U.S. Navy SH-60 Seahawk crashed on the flight deck of the united statesRonald Reagan plane provider within the Philippine Sea. This incident resulted in accidents to a dozen crew members. The injured personnel have been subsequently transferred to a hospital within the Philippines for remedy. 

Flashback to 2017, a SH-60 Seahawk helicopter descended into the ocean off the coast of Yokosuka, Japan. The helicopter was working from the united statesRonald Reagan on the time of the incident. Rescue efforts have been profitable, and no critical accidents have been reported among the many crew members. 

Two Japanese SH-60K anti-sub warfare choppers collided in mid-air
Photograph by 防衛省

In 2015, a Sikorsky SH-60 Seahawk met with a tragic mishap within the Arabian Gulf, resulting in the lack of two crew members. The helicopter was hooked up to the Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron (HSC) 6 and was working from the plane provider USS Carl Vinson throughout a routine flight operation.

Earlier, in 2014, a SH-60F Seahawk crashed within the Purple Sea whereas making an attempt to land on the guided-missile destroyer USS William P. Lawrence. Two of the 5 crew members weren’t recovered, therefore declared misplaced at sea. 

Later, in 2012, a Sikorsky SH-60F Seahawk crashed in Oman throughout a heavy-lift operation, leading to two fatalities. The helicopter was assigned to the Helicopter Sea Fight Squadron [HSC] 6, working from the plane provider USS John C. Stennis.

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