Akeno Air Field, some 300 miles southwest of Tokyo, is not a typical Japanese airbase in many respects. Located on Honshu’s southern coast, Akeno is the main airbase for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force’s Central Army region. Besides "regular" JGSDF flying units, Akeno is also home to the main JGSDF Aviation School, Koku Gakko, and the School Support Squadron, Kyoiku Shien Hikotai. In addition, the JGSDF Test and Evaluation Command’s Flight Test Squadron, Hiko Jikkentai, is based there. Because of the presence of the Aviation School and the Flight Test Squadron, all helicopter types operated by the JGSDF can be found at Akeno. Combined with excellent viewing options from outside, Akeno Air Field is a photographer’s heaven, if you’re a "rotorhead."
Helicopters have been part of the JGSDF ever since its formation in 1954. Initially operating the Sikorsky S-55 (H-19) and Bell 47 (H-13), the JGSDF expanded its rotary-wing fleet in the 1960s with Fuji-built UH-1Bs and Kawasaki-Vertol KV-107s. In the 1970s, the Fuji UH-1H began to replace the H-19 and UH-1B. In 1979, the JGSDF acquired a potent anti-tank helicopter in the shape of the AH-1S Cobra.
In the last decades, the introduction of several new helicopter types has further modernized the JGSDF fleet. The Mitsubishi UH-60JA and Fuji UH-1J have gradually replaced the UH-1H, and Kawasaki CH-47J/JA Chinooks have taken over the heavy-lift role from the KV-107. The indigenous Kawasaki OH-1 scout/observation helicopter was developed to replace the OH-6D; however, severe budget cuts have slowed down this intended replacement. Budget constraints have also interfered with plans to have the AH-64 Apache completely replace the AH-1 Cobra. The latest helicopter type to enter service is the lightest, the Enstrom TH-480B. Thirty examples have completely replaced the OH-6D in the training role.
The JGSDF’s aviation assets are divided into five Aviation Groups, or Kokutai, each subordinate to one of the JGSDF’s five regional armies (Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Central and Western). Typically, each Aviation Group is made up of a transport/utility squadron, an anti-tank squadron and one or more generic "aviation squadrons". These aviation squadrons are under the direct control of divisions and brigades in the region.
One of the rarer helicopters to be found at Akeno is the Kawasaki OH-1. Unofficially called "Ninja", it is Japan’s first indigenous military helicopter. Although officially not an attack helicopter, its tandem cockpit and stub wings give it the potential to be developed further in that direction. Currently the OH-1 is used for only observation and reconnaissance duties, carrying fuel tanks and defensive air-to-air missiles. Its mission systems are mounted in a roof-mounted turret. The OH-1s at Akeno are operated by the Aviation School (coded "S"), the School Support Squadron ( coded "SD"), the 5th Anti-tank Helicopter Squadron (coded "VATH") and the Flight Test Squadron (coded "TE"). One of the Flight Test OH-1s wears a bright red/white paint scheme.
Besides its OH-1s "hunters," the 5th Anti-tank Helicopter Squadron also has two Hikotai, or flights, of "killers," equipped with the AH-1S Cobra. The few license-built Fuji AH-64DJAs at Akeno are all operated by the Aviation School.
The Kawasaki OH-6D can still be found at Akeno, though in limited numbers. The 10th Aviation Squadron, associated with the JGSDF’s 10th Division, still uses the venerable "Loach."
The 10th Aviation Squadron also operates the UH-1J, a Fuji-built, improved version of the UH-1H. It has an uprated engine and a nose shape similar to the UH-1N. Several years ago Project "UH-X" was started to select a replacement for the UH-1J, but it has experienced severe delays and a final decision is still awaited. With no imminent replacement for either the UH-1J or AH-1S, the familiar "whop-whop-whop" sound will still be heard around Akeno for many years to come.
Helicopters have been part of the JGSDF ever since its formation in 1954. Initially operating the Sikorsky S-55 (H-19) and Bell 47 (H-13), the JGSDF expanded its rotary-wing fleet in the 1960s with Fuji-built UH-1Bs and Kawasaki-Vertol KV-107s. In the 1970s, the Fuji UH-1H began to replace the H-19 and UH-1B. In 1979, the JGSDF acquired a potent anti-tank helicopter in the shape of the AH-1S Cobra.
In the last decades, the introduction of several new helicopter types has further modernized the JGSDF fleet. The Mitsubishi UH-60JA and Fuji UH-1J have gradually replaced the UH-1H, and Kawasaki CH-47J/JA Chinooks have taken over the heavy-lift role from the KV-107. The indigenous Kawasaki OH-1 scout/observation helicopter was developed to replace the OH-6D; however, severe budget cuts have slowed down this intended replacement. Budget constraints have also interfered with plans to have the AH-64 Apache completely replace the AH-1 Cobra. The latest helicopter type to enter service is the lightest, the Enstrom TH-480B. Thirty examples have completely replaced the OH-6D in the training role.
The JGSDF’s aviation assets are divided into five Aviation Groups, or Kokutai, each subordinate to one of the JGSDF’s five regional armies (Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, Central and Western). Typically, each Aviation Group is made up of a transport/utility squadron, an anti-tank squadron and one or more generic "aviation squadrons". These aviation squadrons are under the direct control of divisions and brigades in the region.
One of the rarer helicopters to be found at Akeno is the Kawasaki OH-1. Unofficially called "Ninja", it is Japan’s first indigenous military helicopter. Although officially not an attack helicopter, its tandem cockpit and stub wings give it the potential to be developed further in that direction. Currently the OH-1 is used for only observation and reconnaissance duties, carrying fuel tanks and defensive air-to-air missiles. Its mission systems are mounted in a roof-mounted turret. The OH-1s at Akeno are operated by the Aviation School (coded "S"), the School Support Squadron ( coded "SD"), the 5th Anti-tank Helicopter Squadron (coded "VATH") and the Flight Test Squadron (coded "TE"). One of the Flight Test OH-1s wears a bright red/white paint scheme.
Besides its OH-1s "hunters," the 5th Anti-tank Helicopter Squadron also has two Hikotai, or flights, of "killers," equipped with the AH-1S Cobra. The few license-built Fuji AH-64DJAs at Akeno are all operated by the Aviation School.
The Kawasaki OH-6D can still be found at Akeno, though in limited numbers. The 10th Aviation Squadron, associated with the JGSDF’s 10th Division, still uses the venerable "Loach."
The 10th Aviation Squadron also operates the UH-1J, a Fuji-built, improved version of the UH-1H. It has an uprated engine and a nose shape similar to the UH-1N. Several years ago Project "UH-X" was started to select a replacement for the UH-1J, but it has experienced severe delays and a final decision is still awaited. With no imminent replacement for either the UH-1J or AH-1S, the familiar "whop-whop-whop" sound will still be heard around Akeno for many years to come.
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| UH-1J Japanese Army Self Defence Force 41845 |
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| AH-64DJP Japanese Army Self Defence Force 74503 |
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| AH-1S Japanese Army Self Defence Force 73456 |
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| UH-60JA Japanese Army Self Defence Force 43102 |
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| OH-6D Japanese Army Self Defence Force 31306 |
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| OH-1 Japanese Army Self Defence Force 32604 |
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| AH-64DJP Japanese Army Self Defence Force 74503 |
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| AH-1S Japanese Army Self Defence Force 73422 |
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| TH-480B Japanese Army Self Defence Force 62354 |
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| CH-47J Japanese Army Self Defence Force 52931 |
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| OH-6D Japanese Army Self Defence Force 31285 |
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| AH-1S Japanese Army Self Defence Force 73455 |
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| CH-47J Japanese Army Self Defence Force 52931 |
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| UH-1J Japanese Army Self Defence Force 41838 |
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| UH-1J Japanese Army Self Defence Force 41907 |
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