Hobby Master Archive

The Japan Self Defense Force is made up of three components, land, air and sea. The component using the helicopters is part of the JGSDF (Japan Ground Self Defense Force). Today’s JGSDF operates approximately 532 helicopters and starting in 1962 the 1st Helicopter Brigade used at least 90 UH-1Bs that were made under license by Fuji Heavy Industries. The company made original improvements on the UH-1B that developed into the UH-1J version. Both versions have since been replaced by the UH- 60JA Black Hawk.