Moe-Style Attack Helicopter from Japan’s Armed Forces:
Full Info, Images & Video
Presented as part of an air show in Chiba prefecture last weekend, the quirky new helicopter quickly stole the show, with hundreds of people taking photos and video to share on the internet.
Whether we’d ever see a helicopter like this fly into battle or not, there’s no denying that it has an awful lot of charm.
Japan’s Jieitai (“Self-Defense Force” or “JSDF” for short) was established shortly after the end of World War II, and, like many armies around the world, is comprised of ground, air and naval forces that serve to protect the country. Mention the Japanese “army” to the average Japanese citizen and you will more often than not be corrected, as have I on multiple occasions, and informed that “Japan does not have an army; only a self-defense force.”
The JSDF are sworn to become involved only in peace-keeping and defensive missions, and, due to sanctions imposed on the country after the war, cannot form a “traditional military force”.
But that doesn’t stop them being awesome.
@ Kisarazu city’s aviation festival, the JSDF presented their new AH-1S Cobra helicopter, for use in (defensive!) tank-busting operations, which soon became the star of the show thanks to its unexpected “moé style” artwork and the introduction of an original flame-haired character going by the name of Kisarazu Akane, after the city.
In true otaku style, the JSDF’s presentation came complete with an a cosplay model, dressed as the new character Kisarazu Akane herself, prompting a flurry of excitement as excited attendees and press alike demanded a photo opportunityas soon as the official explanation of the new helicopter had ended.
rocketnews24 via r25.yahoo.co.jp