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Very much like the U.S., winter in Japan is the shoulder season for airshows and military base open house.
However, this paradrop training demo is special for being held in January as "The new years beginning of paradrop training"
This training demo is open to the public, although because of chilly weather not so many people attend it.
It is called "Paradrop" but actually consists of Heliborne and fixed wing aircraft operations, as well as some demonstration on land battle including tanks.
Winter in the pacific side of Japan is mostly dry with sunny days and strong winds.
So if you do not mind the cold weather, this demo gives you a great photo and video opportunities under clear sky.
If you are interested in visiting this airshow or any other Japanese Airshow featured in this site, please refer to the page "Guide to Visiting Airshows in Japan"
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Crew leans over the ramp of CH-47J
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First solo jump from UH-1H is to check wind conditions.
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The brass jump from CH-47J
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Commanders of the parachute unit lands
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CH-47J
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Compared to CH-47J, CH-47JA has extended range thanks to the larger fuel tank ( as can be seen by the size of the bulge) as well as weather radar
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Minister of defence and several other politicians came for the review.
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Jumpers from high altitude on recon mission.
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Well camouflarged motorcycle and jeep
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UH-1H heading to the drop zone
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They are on their own from here...
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CH-47JA approaching |
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Troops hed to the ground from hovering CH-47JA
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Paratroopers jumping from C-130J
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Kawasaki C-1 transport aircraft. Note the flaps are fully extended.
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Paratroopers coming down
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Supply being dropped from CH-47JA
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I hope the container carries something more useful than a red cap...
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Light Armoured Vehicle manufactured by Komatsu is being lifted to the battlefield by CH-47J |
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OH-1 is a nice helicopter with low noise and high manuver capability. Note the simple rotor system.
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OH-6D still in use with IR and night vision
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UH-1H with anti-tank mine layer |
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Very skinny AH-1S
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UH-1J gunship
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UH-1H recovering the wounded
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Quite scary...
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Closer view
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Formation of CH-47J and JA approach for a flight review |
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Formation of new and old observation choppers
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VIP transport EC-225LP take off with a waving politician on board
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4 stars
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3 stars
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US Army Blackhawk. The aircraft was also on static display.
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At the car wash...
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From hereon, some old photos from the '90s: CH-47 lifting demo
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Demonstration by CH-47J 52920 showing the recovery of solders when the terrain does not allow choppers to land.
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The latest version of Huey is this UH-1J.
This aircraft 41846 is in "Gunship" configuration.
Although the chopper may be the "latest", 12.7mm (0.5 cal) machine gun on board is very similar to those used during world war II.
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UH-1J 41687 with 4 infantrymen on board rushes to drop them off.
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Swarm of UH-1s and CH-47s heading towards the "battleground".
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