Subaru delivered the prototype of New Utility Helicopter for Japan Ministry of Defense (JMOD) today at its Aerospace Company Utsunomiya Plant, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan.

Subaru contracted with JMOD for the developing of the prototype of the New Utility Helicopter in September 2015, Subaru jointly developed the Subaru Bell 412EPX which is the latest civilian helicopter with Bell Helicopter, a Textron Inc. Company, USA. With this aircraft as a platform, then developed and completed the New Utility Helicopter for Japan Ministry of Defense.

The flight test of the New Utility Helicopter was started from December 2018, it passed a series of flight tests successfully, and finally received JMOD's approval for delivery.

Here after, the prototype of New Utility Helicopter will be tested by JMOD as well. Subaru will prepare for the start of mass production of the New Utility Helicopter in the future.

Subaru Bell 412 EPX obtained approval of the design change of Japanese Type Certificate from Japan Civil Aviation Bureau (JCAB) on January 18, 2019. Subaru will expand its defense business as well as the production and sales of “Subaru Bell 412EPX” which is for the commercial market.