Curtiss-Wright’s EMS division has won a contract to manufacture two more RAST MK VI Systems for the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

The deal is in support of the JMSDF’s new frigate builds. Curtiss-Wright’s EMS division’s INDAL business unit first received an order for two frigates in May 2018.

The ships are expected to be modern, high-speed and multi-purpose with builds in three separate baselines, the first comprising eight ships with the potential for up to 22 in total.

The RAST MK VI is a helicopter handling system that fully integrates all of the functions required to safely operate and stow ship-borne helicopters in adverse weather and sea conditions up to sea state six.

Curtiss-Wright EMS division senior vice-president and general manager Greg Hempfling said: “We are very pleased to continue our support of JMSDF’s ship build programmes.

“Supply of these RAST MK VI systems to the 31FFM programme marks Japan’s 50th year of selecting INDAL Technologies’ aircraft handing systems for its naval ships.

“This demonstrates our engineering expertise in providing advanced performance, reliable equipment designs and increased operational efficiency to the naval defence industry.”

The INDAL business unit in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada, will perform the work for this contract, with delivery scheduled between December 2020 and March 2021.

Curtiss-Wright has delivered more than 200 of its integrated Aircraft Handling Systems to navies around the world.