OH-6J Japanese Light Scout and Observation Helicopter

The Kawasaki OH-6J is a licensed variant of the Hughes Helicopter OH-6 Cayuse American light observation helicopter for use by the Japanese Ground Self Defense Force (JGSDF). The JGSDF employed the helicopter in a reconnaissance and observation role as well as part of a hunter killer team with the AH-1S Cobra. At one time the JGSDF experimented with the concept of a 7.62mm Type 62 machine gun located on the starboard or left side of the fuselage. However, this type of weapon configuration was not adopted. The OH-6J is being replaced with the OH-1 Ninja scout/observation helicopter developed and manufactured by the Kawasaki Aerospace Company.