No.132 Topics about Helicopters

Japan Air Self-Defense Force Fuchu Base Helicopter Experience
On October 29, I had the opportunity to experience a ride on a CH-47J transport helicopter from the heliport at Fuchu Base. This transport helicopter is used to transport necessary equipment to air bases and radar sites, and it is said that the first unit was acquired in fiscal year 1986, with approximately 15 units currently in operation.

In a typical experience flight, 30 people can board excluding the crew, but due to COVID-19 infection control measures, this has been reduced to 15. It seems that the general slots, which are usually popular, have become even more competitive.

I was a bit nervous as it was my first experience not only on a Self-Defense Force aircraft but also on a helicopter, but the takeoff and landing left a very careful impression, and the aircraft was very stable during the flight.

Taking off from Fuchu Base, we quickly reached the skies over Nerima Ward, and it was a round trip flight of about 20 minutes. This readiness system serves as a mobility force in times of emergency, and I felt a sense of security.

Tokyo Doctor Helicopter Operations Begin
Tokyo has started the operation of the Tokyo Doctor Helicopter in the Tama region from March 31 of this year to enhance the emergency medical system. The Doctor Helicopter is a helicopter equipped with medical devices and pharmaceuticals necessary for emergency medical care, carrying doctors and other medical personnel to provide prompt treatment and facilitate the smooth transport of patients to medical institutions. It is usually stationed at the Tokyo Fire Department Aviation Unit Tama Aviation Center located in Tachikawa City, with Kyorin University Hospital serving as the base hospital and Tokyo Medical University Hachioji Medical Center and Tokyo Metropolitan Tama General Medical Center providing support as cooperating hospitals.

The place where the doctor helicopter takes over patients from the ambulance is called a rendezvous point, and the city has designated it as a helicopter activity base in the regional disaster prevention plan. Currently, four locations have been designated: (1) Inagi Central Park General Ground (2) Hirao Friend Complex Ground (3) Sports Nihon University Athletic Park Inagi (4) Public Interest Incorporated Association Kudans Ground. The city conducted operational training at Inagi Central Park General Ground on March 11 in preparation for full-scale operation starting March 31. On that day, the Tokyo Fire Department Aviation Unit Tama Aviation Center, Tokyo Metropolitan Welfare and Health Bureau, Kyorin University School of Medicine Hospital, and Inagi City Fire Department collaborated to train the entire process from the request for the doctor helicopter to transportation.

Furthermore, on November 6, the Tokyo Doctor Helicopter participated in the disaster prevention training conducted by Inagi City at the Tama River Green Space Park, and training was carried out in cooperation with the Inagi Emergency Team.

With the start of operations of the Tokyo Doctor Helicopter, it has become possible to conduct more rapid rescue activities for critically ill patients, further advancing the safety and security of our citizens.

Response of Inagi City
In December 2016, learning from the large-scale fire that occurred in Itoigawa City, Niigata Prefecture, the city felt that it is very effective and necessary to understand the full extent of disaster sites from the air. Therefore, in the fiscal year 2017 budget, we quickly included the purchase of a rotary-wing drone. While it is difficult for the city to independently own and operate a helicopter, with technological innovations, it has become easier to achieve things that were previously impossible with the equipment that the city can now utilize.
Moving forward, we will continue to strive to introduce advanced technologies in the city while utilizing the equipment of the national and metropolitan governments.