Japan military testing helicopters at Yuma Proving Ground

YUMA PROVING GROUND - Since October, the Japan Self Defense Force has been testing two helicopters that it has purchased from the United States.

While he couldn't discuss any specifics about the ongoing tests, Col. Hotaka Kikuchi, commander of the forces's Aviation Test and Evaluation Unit, has been pleased with the results.

"We can confirm they have done well," Kikuchi said through a translator.

Maj. Hirokazu Itu, who piloted one of the helicopters during tests on Tuesday has also been impressed with the aircraft's capabilities.

"It has a very sophisticated weapons system," Itu said moments after landing.

"It's quite accurate and pretty much better than the helicopters we have now. The results are very impressive."

The helicopters are Apache Longbow multi-role combat helicopters. Dubbed the AH-64DJP, the helicopters were purchased by Japan under a Foreign Military Sales agreement.

Except for some Japanese-built radios, the helicopters are very similar to the U.S. Army's Apaches in that they fire a variety of weapons and can carry out many different types of military missions.

In 2001, the AH-64D Apache was selected as a replacement for the Japan Ground Self Defense Force's anti-tank helicopter, according to a 2005 news release by the Boeing Corp.

Kikuchi said the JSDF chose YPG as the place to test the helicopters for a number of reasons. They are being stored in a hangar at the base's Laguna Airfield.

"We are here for three purposes," Kikuchi said. "To train the pilots, to learn and study the maintenance and to test and evaluate the helicopter."

One of the Japanese soldiers learning about maintenance while at YPG is Sgt. 1st. Class Tomokatsu Morita.

"We haven't had any problems, other than a big language problem at first," said Morita, who is a crew chief for one of the helicopters. "I used to be a Huey mechanic so that has helped."

The Japanese crew said they trained at several various bases nationwide in preparation for the testing they are conducting at YPG.

Kikuchi said current testing on the helicopters will end in December and there are no plans to return next year for any further testing.