Attack helicopters are scary war machines? Japanese military doesn't think so, introducing "cute" an
102 replies, posted
[quote][img]http://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/heli-title1.jpg[/img]
[i]“It just goes to show that we really do live in a peaceful country.”[/i]
A quote from an internet user sums up the mood perfectly after Japan’s Self Defence Forces unveil a unique attack helicopter covered with manga-influenced designs and colours.
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 [i]Jieitai[/i] (“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.
Last weekend, as a part of 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.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0aaOZrNWqLU[/media]
While the term “moé” is forever changing and tricky to define, it is most often used to describe a feeling of passion and burning- usually for something pretty like a “moékko” (a combination of moé and the word for “young girl” or “daughter”), and denoting a kind of good-looking girl that men burn with desire for.
So to see animé style designs on the side of an army Self Defence Force helicopter is a little unusual to say the least.
[img]http://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/heli-1.jpg[/img]
Diehard animé and manga fans in Japan are renowned for their [i]“itasha”[/i] (lit. painful car) vehicles, which are decorated with character designs to the point that driving one through a busy area often results in crowds of people standing slack-jawed and snapping photos.
To the fans, these [i]“itasha”[/i] creations are nothing short of spectacular, but to the average passerby the cars are literally painful to look at, hence the moniker they receive.
[img]http://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/itasha.jpg[/img]
Similarly, with the JSDF’s sweet new ride finding fame just hours after its initial unveiling and with videos like the one above receiving more than 40,000 hits so far, Japanese netizens are already playfully dubbing the helicopter “ita-heli” in a nod to anime fans’ gaudy sets of wheels.
In true otaku style, the JSDF’s presentation came complete with 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 opportunity as soon as the official explanation of the new helicopter had ended.
[img]http://sociorocketnewsen.files.wordpress.com/2012/10/heli-2.jpg[/img]
It’s hard to imagine any army in the west launching a pretty, long-haired character of their own, let alone a “cute” anti-tank helicopter - a machine whose main purpose, let’s not forget, it to blow big scary things up…
Only in Japan, right, guys?[/quote]
[url=http://en.rocketnews24.com/2012/10/19/japans-armed-forces-show-their-playful-side-moe-style-attack-helicopter-wows-crowds/]Source[/url]
Oh what a surprise, crazy people haha.
Instantly thought of this:
[img]http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs51/f/2009/320/0/0/Friendly_PREDATOR_MISSILE_by_adrak.jpg[/img]
So it seems this Kisarazu Akane girl is going to be a "model" for the JSDF?
[QUOTE=ZombieDawgs;38098935]Instantly thought of this:
[img]http://fc04.deviantart.net/fs51/f/2009/320/0/0/Friendly_PREDATOR_MISSILE_by_adrak.jpg[/img][/QUOTE]
Don't forget their MSDF commercials.
[media]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mb_Gux1ei5U&feature=endscreen&NR=1[/media]
God save those who oppose Japan.
Once again Japan, something totally weird and awesome at the same time.
jesus fucking christ
Not that surprising. It wouldn't be the first time Japan has used an anime mascot for something that has nothing to do with anime.
The designs basically nullify the base camouflage, which is a bit pointless, you might as well brightly colour the rest of the helicopter as well. :v:
Derp what am i saying
[QUOTE=EpicExplosion;38099270]The designs basically nullify the base camouflage, which is a bit pointless, you might as well brightly colour the rest of the helicopter as well. :v:[/QUOTE]
Well the sky isn't a woodland environment anyways. The helicopter's base camouflage is a woodland paint, which would really only work if you are looking at it from above.
I thought they had come up with something like a Jigabachi from GitS.
Well it's their own fault if some other country steamrolls them because they're all braiding each other's camo nets and drawing anime eyes on their helmets.
[QUOTE=EpicExplosion;38099270]The designs basically nullify the base camouflage, which is a bit pointless, you might as well brightly colour the rest of the helicopter as well. :v:[/QUOTE]
Yes because they will totally be stupid enough to fly this shit in actual combat scenarios.
Actually judging by the distance this thing can operate from it wouldn't even matter, it would get picked up radar rather than by the eye.
Meh we have this for a while now..
[img]http://www.bluelifeaviation.nl/photos/2011%20Apache%20demoteam/images/small/_L7F5273.jpg[/img]
[IMG]http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y182/MickF4/MBAviationImagesSanicoleSunsetApacheFlaresFr.jpg[/IMG]
Cool for airshows I gues.
I don't like it personally. Its a bit silly, and attack helicopters are supposed to be intimidating. If I am in a tank and I see that coming I'll be laughing my ass off while my .50cal gunners line up a shot.
o-oni san, I think I'm about to shoot my missle..aaah ugu~
[QUOTE=OrionChronicles;38099734]I don't like it personally. Its a bit silly, and attack helicopters are supposed to be intimidating. If I am in a tank and I see that coming I'll be laughing my ass off while my .50cal gunners line up a shot.[/QUOTE]
Couldn't the helicopter just be out of range of your .50 cal and fire missiles at you? That's like the entire point of attack choppers.
[QUOTE=OrionChronicles;38099734]I don't like it personally. Its a bit silly, and attack helicopters are supposed to be intimidating. If I am in a tank and I see that coming I'll be laughing my ass off while my .50cal gunners line up a shot.[/QUOTE]
If you're in a tank (or any vehicle that isn't AA) chances are you won't even know the helicopter is there until it hits you.
Okay, technical details aside, the helicopter still looks idiotic to me, and my raging hatred of anime isn't helping much.
[QUOTE=Untouch;38099760]o-oni san, I think I'm about to shoot my missle..aaah ugu~[/QUOTE]
"It can't be helped. My missles are moving on their own"
[QUOTE=OrionChronicles;38099817]Okay, technical details aside, the helicopter still looks idiotic to me, and my raging hatred of anime isn't helping much.[/QUOTE]
Well it is pretty much the same as those pin up gals, 'cept Japanese style :v:
This would never get fielded anyways most likely, it is probably just a promotional thingy.
It's really nothing worth fussing about. More than likely it'll just be used for air shows and presentations while the JSDF use regular helicopters and the like for operations. It seems the design itself was just used to pay homage to the city in which the festival was held in the first place.
This sort of thing is pretty common. It's just for airshows and displays.
[IMG]http://i.imgur.com/fRQrz.jpg[/IMG]
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