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Not the most interesting photo, this 3 Kokutai P-3C, but the Orion is still the most numerous type in service with the JMSDF. Unfortunately the Orions lost their colourful squadron markings starting shortly after the turn of the century. Until recently nine operational squadrons as well as one test squadron (51 Kokutai) and one training squadron (203 Kyoiku Kokutai) operated the P-3, however one (8 Kokutai) was disbanded in March 2001. After the reorganisations that took place in March 2008 only four frontline P-3 squadrons remained and two of these are now operating the Kawasaki P-1.
Atsugi, 17 April 2010, Hans Rolink
Much more interesting is this one of a kind UP-3C operated by 51 Kokutai for all sorts of test and evaluation flights. The dedicated test squadron is also operating a handful of normal Orions but this special version remains the most colourful, although it also lost the finflash of 51 Kokutai.
Atsugi, 19 April 2010, Menno Teunisse
The first XP-1 in a red/white colour-scheme which is usual for all Japanese prototypes. During the first half of 2015 it was modified to UP-1 configuration and re-serialled 9501.
Atsugi, 19 April 2010, Menno Teunisse
Two other boring grey Orions, in front 5001, the first ever JMSDF Orion with 2 Kokutai marks and next to it an unmarked example. The first three are real Lockheed Orions, built in the States, all other Japanese versions were manufactured under licence by Kawasaki at Gifu and with their own construction number range. Initially overhaul was performed at Kawasaki-Gifu, however in recent years this all shifted to Atsugi with Nippi Industries. In April 2009, the JMSDF started withdrawing the first examples in the fleet and P-3C 5002 was scrapped in October of that year, many more were to follow.
Hachinohe April 2010, Menno Teunisse
The replacement for the US-1A. Originally flown as the US-1A Kai, a modernised version of the original, it is now in low rate production as the US-2. This example is the second frame and pictured here still in test colour scheme. The first one had the "standard" red/white prototype scheme but today all US-2s are in the midnight blue c/s, making it a little less impressive in my opinion.
Iwakuni, 12 September 2008, Mori Masayoshi
The Japanese Navy acquired six Learjet 36s in the period 1988-1993 for target duties, two examples were lost in accidents since. All U-36As were part of the mixed fleet of 91 Kokutai, the other type being the UP-3D Orion. In 2020 the two special mission units (81 and 91 Kokutai) were combined and 91 Kokutai became 812 Hikotai, one of two subordinate units of surviving 81 Kokutai.
Iwakuni, Marcel J. van Bielder
The Mitsubishi UH-60J replaced the S-61AH as the dedicated Search and Rescue helicopter with, initially, six Kyunan Hikotai (Air Base Squadrons)at the JMSDF main bases. However, following the March 2008 and April 2018 reorganisations, only four Hikotais remained. As the JMSDF will not replace its UH-60Js and future SAR ops will be the responsibility of the JASDF and JCG, even more units and detachments will be disbanded.
Kanoya, 11 April 2010, Menno Teunisse
The replacement for the OH-6D/DA is this Eurocopter EC-135 named TH-135 in Japanese service. As can be seen on the tail, it was still on strength of 51 Kokutai, the dedicated test squadron but operating from Kanoya in preparation for transfer. By October 2010, the first TH-135 was seen operating with 211 Kyoiku Kokutai markings and by the end 2015, all fifteen had been delivered.
Kanoya, 11 April 2010, Menno Teunisse
The SH-60J was the successor of the HSS-2B in the ship borne ASW role. Currently the fleet of SH-60Js is mostly replaced by the SH-60K. Five Kokutais were equipped with the Seahawk being the 21 Kokutai at Tateyama, 22 Kokutai at Omura, 23 Kokutai at Manazuru, 24 Kokutai at Komatsushima and 25 Kokutai at Ominato. Now only 22 and 24 Kokutai operate the remainder of the fleet. This three-shipper was performing at the Tateyama open day of 2008 and are all in the old colour scheme.
Tateyama, 12 October 2008, Mori Masayoshi
The visitors terrace at Naha is a good spot to get most of the based 5 Kokutai Orions. The loss of their colourful tailmarkings make these aircraft a lot less atractive, some even say 'you've seen one you've seen them all' but this is not entirely true. The JMSDF operates the P-3C with at least two different modifications besides the standard version. As can be seen on this photo, the 5089 has a big bulge on the top of the fuselage. Another mod. has a smaller bulge on the same place and some remain, at least on the outside in the old configuration.
Naha January 2010, Reinier Schreurs
Seen departing Komaki at the end of the Open Day is this 23 Kokutai SH-60J, heading for home at Maizuru, a base rarely visited by spotters as it is a bit off the beaten track. 23 Kokutai is the third unit to transition to the SH-60K. SH-60J operations ended in March 2015. The SH-60J in this picture is in the 'new' overall grey colour scheme as opposed to the original 'old' white/grey colours.
Komaki, 10 October 2009, Michiel Vermeer
The successor of the SH-60J, developed by Mitsubishi is the slightly longer SH-60K. Other changes include next generation rotortips and a more square observers window compared to the round bubble of the J version. 22 Kokutai was the second unit receiving this variant and this example is seen arriving at Tsuiki to take its place in the static.
Tsuiki 23 November 2008, Marcel J. van Bielder
| Sendai (RJSS) | |||||
RWY 09/27, 12/30 POS 38°08'23"N 140°55'01"E ELEV 6 ft | |||||
| Miscellaneous | Wing | Squadron | Aircraft Type(s) | Tail no. | Badge |
| Overhaul facilities |
JAMCO |
JAMCO Sendai | Overhaul on: TC-90 |
 |
|
One of the last Orion units with some distinctive tail markings was the training squadron 203 Kokutai. Unfortunately it also lost the finflash during 2011.
Shimofusa, Marcel J. van Bielder
The first operational unit to receive the SH-60K during 2006 was 121 Kokutai, now part of 21 Kokutai. This one is receiving the cold shower treatment to get rid of any salty deposits. The white herons in the trees in the background probably see this scene everyday.
Tateyama, 12 October 2008, Mori Masayoshi
To maintain a presence in the Arctic regions, Japan regularly sends its Polar Icebreaker Shirase to those shores. AGB-5003 is the third ship with that name, commissioned last year and is able to carry two CH-101s. Its predecessor, the S-61A was retired in 2008 and was operating with 21 Kokutai at Tateyama when not aboard the Chirase, the CH-101 is flying from Iwakuni with 111 Kokutai.
Iwakuni, 12 September 2008, Mori Masayoshi
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