Fhi's Contracts Prove Its Engineering Strength

Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI), the maker of Subaru vehicles, has won a contract with Japan’s Ministry of Defence to develop a prototype next-generation utility helicopter (UH-X) for the Japan Ground Self-Defence Force (JGSDF).

FHI will co-develop the helicopter with Bell Helicopter Textron Inc.
The helicopter is an advanced variant of the 412EPI, the latest model of the Bell 412 series, with proven reliability and versatility. It is used in search and rescue missions.

Tentatively named the Fuji-Bell 412+, the helicopter will constitute a platform for the UH-X for the JGSDF.
FHI plans to make maximum use of its original technologies, including metal surface treatment as well as highly efficient manufacture, built up in the course of mass-producing civilian aircraft.
Under a strong 55-year partnership with Bell Helicopter Textron, FHI will build a production line and maintenance facilities for the UH-X and the Fuji-Bell 412+ at its Aerospace Company in Japan, and the two companies will work together to promote the helicopter business.
In other recent news, FHI announced in July that together with four other Japanese aerospace companies, and the Japan Aircraft Development Corporation (JADC), it had signed a formal agreement with Boeing on their participation in the development and production of Boeing’s new 777X.

The 777X, as the successor to the 777 series of wide body twin-engine passenger jets, includes the 777-8X and 777-9X models.

Boeing says production is set to begin in 2017, with first delivery targeted for 2020.

As with the existing 777, FHI will be responsible for the centre wing section and its integration with the main landing gear wheel wells, main landing gear doors, and forward wing-to-body fairings.

FHI is currently gearing up for production at its Utsunomiya Plant, in Tochigi Prefecture, and Handa Plant, in Aichi Prefecture, where a new assembly facility is under construction for producing the centre wing section.

FHI says it will strive to strengthen its presence in the global aerospace industry by further enhancing its engineering excellence and its good partnership with Boeing.

Managing Director of Subaru of New Zealand Wallis Dumper says Kiwis know Subaru is legendary for its technical innovation.

“Whilst Subaru may be small compared to many other car manufacturers, the Symmetrical All Wheel Drive and FHI’s similar technologies reflect how strong the company is when it comes to the engineering quality of its cars and aircraft. FHI’s involvement producing the UH-X helicopter and Boeing’s new 777X just simply reinforces why Subaru drivers have that sense of security, which comes with a well-built car, whenever they sit in the driver’s seat of one of our boxer engine beauties,” Mr Dumper says.