Japan Introduces New Airborne Mine-hunting Helicopter
The AgustaWestland AW101 has been adapted by Kawasaki for the unusual mission
The towed mine-hunting system deploys from the rear of the AW-101 helicopter. (photo: AgustaWestland)
The towed mine-hunting system deploys from the rear of the AW-101 helicopter. (photo: AgustaWestland)

Kawasaki Heavy Industries (KHI) has delivered the first AgustaWestland AW101 helicopter equipped for the airborne mine countermeasures (AMCM) role. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will conduct trials of the AMCM system from Iwakuni air base, before it enters operational service next year. KHI builds the AW101 under license in Japan, where it is designated MCH-101.