The O-1A Bird Dog (that shown belonging to the 9th Hiko-tai at Hachinoe) has been in service with the GSDF for some 17 years, but final phase-out of this aircraft has now been delayed and it is likely to remain in the GSDF inventory for three or four more years.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Cessna L-19 / O-1 Bird dog / Model 305 - СШАUSA - 1950

Delays in procurement owing to budgetary restrictions have created problems for the GSDF in standardising the complements of the Hiko-tais which are each supposed to include eight OH-6Js.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hughes OH-6 Cayuse / MD 500 - СШАUSA - 1963

The OH-6J has proved something of a disappointment to the GSDF and a replacement is now being sought.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Hughes OH-6 Cayuse / MD 500 - СШАUSA - 1963

The Hughes TH-55J was selected by the GSDF as its standard light training helicopter in 1971, and deliveries of this type have been completed.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Schweizer Model 269/300 - СШАUSA - 1956

A small number of Fuji-built Mentors serve in the primary training role.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 45 / T-34 Mentor - СШАUSA - 1948

The Mentor trainer is assigned to Tohoku (North-East) Homen Hiko-tai, as indicated by the letters on the engine cowling.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Beechcraft Model 45 / T-34 Mentor - СШАUSA - 1948

The Kawasaki-built V-107-II helicopter, seen in service with the Hokubu Homen Herikoputa-tai, is the largest aircraft in GSDF service.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Boeing-Vertol CH-46 Sea Knight - СШАUSA - 1958

Currently the most numerous helicopter in the GSDF inventory, the UH-1B Iroquois (shown), together with the UH-1H, equips both the numbered and Homen Herikoputa-tais.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1 Iroquois / Model 204 - СШАUSA - 1956

The UH-1B Iroquois, built under licence by Fuji, has now seen some 12 years service with the GSDF and is currently being supplemented by the UH-1H. As a potential successor to the Iroquois, the GSDF is studying the US Army's UTTAS programme with a view to phasing in a replacement type from late in the present decade.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Bell UH-1 Iroquois / Model 204 - СШАUSA - 1956

The LM is the principal GSDF liaison aircraft, 23 currently being included in the inventory.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fuji KM / LM / T-3 - ЯпонияJapan - 1953

The Fuji LM belongs to the Tobu (Eastern) Hiko-tai at Utsunomiy.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Fuji KM / LM / T-3 - ЯпонияJapan - 1953

The Mitsubishi LR-1 serves in the photo reconnaissance and liaison roles, current planning calling for the acquisition of eight aircraft of this type.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Mitsubishi MU-2 - ЯпонияJapan - 1963

The Mitsubishi LR-1 (seen at Naha AB, Okinawa) was originally intended for the combined reconnaissance and light attack role but proved unsuitable for the latter task owing to structural limitations and an inadequate weapons load.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Mitsubishi MU-2 - ЯпонияJapan - 1963