Hybrid helicopter 'Sea Eagle' revealed

The first V-22 Osprey for the Japanese military is preparing to make its first test flight in Texas, USA.

Japan's first V-22 at the factory. Photo: Aviationist.

The first V-22 Osprey hybrid helicopter for the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) has been spotted preparing for a test flight near Bell's Amarillo helicopter assembly center in the US. This is also the first Osprey to be delivered to a force other than the US military, Aviationist reported on August 26.

The V-22 has a shark-like gray-white paint job, with the Japanese military insignia on the tail. This is one of 17 Osprey hybrid helicopters that Tokyo has ordered from Washington. Japan will own the V-22B Block C version, similar to the MV-22 model in service with the US Marine Corps.

The contract to buy 17 V-22s and spare parts for the JGSDF, worth about $3 billion, was signed in 2015 despite criticism of the hybrid helicopter’s safety. The Japanese V-22s are expected to be responsible for disaster relief and humanitarian operations, as well as increasing the country’s ability to coordinate operations with US military forces.

Since its introduction into service, the Osprey has suffered several fatal accidents. In April 2000, an MV-22 crashed in Arizona, killing 19 Marines. Late last year, another aircraft made an emergency landing on the coast of Okinawa and broke into pieces. Earlier this August, an Osprey crashed off the coast of Australia, killing three US servicemen.

According to VNE