Japanese attack helicopter?

[planeman]

What's the status on this project?

Photo from 2005. not sure of projects name, maybe "Ninja"
http://img92.imageshack.us/img92/889/ninjatu3.jpg

[Costas 240GD]

It's the Kawasaki OH-1 Ninja, all right, but, as the designation indicates, it's more of an observation and battlefield reconnaisance helicopter. The JSDF use the AH-1S and the AH-64DJA for the attack role.

[mehdi]

I would say this is the way forward especially for Japan I wonder how it can be compared with the WZ-10.

Are their roles similar?

[Costas 240GD]

AFAIK no. See my post above. The WZ-10 is a purebred attack helicopter, the OH-1 is for recce tasks.

[eecsmaster]

however the JSDF is looking at the OH-1 (or a close derivative) to partially fulfil AH-1S roles.

Despite various deficiencies in the Japanese aerospace sector, this particular product is very advanced.

[DPRKUnderground]

I heard they also have an attack version of this called the AH-2.