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This is a field report from the Yokota Air Base US-Japan Friendship Festival (Friendship Festival) 2022. This article will provide detailed coverage of the day’s exhibitions and events.
The US-Japan Friendship Festival is a popular two-day event that attracts approximately 300,000 visitors annually. For highlights, visitor tips, and important information, please refer to the following article.
Read more about Highlights, Tips, and Important Information for the US-Japan Friendship Festival
On this day, Air Force One carrying President Biden landed at Yokota Air Base. As there was no prior announcement to the venue, the crowd erupted in excitement.
President Biden’s Visit to Japan (PDF) - Yokota Air Base News
After presenting identification and undergoing baggage inspection, we entered Yokota Air Base.
As expected of a military base, the grounds are incredibly vast.
In front of the main venue, the Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) hosted exhibitions and interactive activities.
Being able to see the Patriot Surface - to - Air Missile System (PAC - 3) up close was amazing - I knew this would be an exceptional event before even reaching the main venue.
Now, the main area is incredibly spacious.
The concrete floor serving as the main venue stretches as far as the eye can see.
This is the hangar stage.
Everything is larger than life, and the dynamism is overwhelming.
The hangar stage hosted band performances and other events.
The scale alone makes it feel like being at a music festival.
This is the outdoor stage, which also featured band performances.
Rock music under the blue sky creates an amazing atmosphere. The audience remained energetic throughout.
Let’s now introduce the aircraft that were on display.
First, let’s look at the US military aircraft.
The C-130J Super Hercules is the US military’s primary tactical transport aircraft. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it entered service in 1996. It can transport up to 92 troops or 19 tons of cargo and features high maneuverability, capable of operating from short or unprepared runways. With its digital control system and improved propeller engines, it offers enhanced performance over traditional C-130s.
The CV-22 Osprey is a special operations tiltrotor aircraft used by the US Air Force Special Operations Command. It combines the high-speed cruise capability of a conventional aircraft with the vertical takeoff and landing abilities of a helicopter. Capable of transporting up to 24 special forces personnel, it can operate in nighttime and adverse weather conditions. Combat deployment began in 2006.
The Osprey’s rear section was equipped with a GAU 21 heavy machine gun. Its presence is truly impressive up close.
The UH-1N Huey is a twin-engine multipurpose helicopter operated by the US military. It performs various missions including troop transport, rescue operations, medical evacuation, and reconnaissance. Known for its reliability and handling characteristics, it has a proven track record of long-term service.
The C-12, based on the Beechcraft King Air, is a multipurpose military aircraft used for personnel transport, cargo transport, reconnaissance, and liaison missions. It’s a light aircraft known for its excellent reliability and range.
The F-15C Eagle is the US Air Force’s air superiority fighter, featuring high maneuverability and powerful radar systems. As a fourth-generation fighter, it boasts exceptional range and advanced combat capabilities, maintaining absolute dominance in air-to-air combat. With speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, powerful radar, and the ability to carry eight air-to-air missiles, it achieved 104 aerial victories during the Gulf War.
It’s designed for intercepting enemy aircraft and securing air superiority, with a proven track record of reliability.
Simply awesome.
The RQ-4 Global Hawk is a high-altitude, long-endurance unmanned reconnaissance aircraft used by the US Air Force for wide-area surveillance and intelligence gathering. It features excellent range and altitude capabilities, providing real-time precise data.
The Global Hawk can perform surveillance missions at high altitudes (about 20km) for extended periods (over 30 hours), equipped with high-performance sensors for day and night wide-area intelligence gathering. It can capture high-resolution images clear enough to read license plates on the ground. Data is transmitted to ground stations in real-time and is also used for weather observation and disaster monitoring.
The MH-60R Seahawk is a multipurpose helicopter capable of anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, search and rescue, and transport missions. Equipped with the latest sensors and weapons systems, it demonstrates excellent maritime operation capabilities.
The Seahawk is used for submarine detection and tracking, surface ship attacks, and search and rescue missions. Equipped with advanced radar, sonar, and infrared sensors, it can carry anti-submarine and anti-ship weapons like torpedoes and missiles. It’s all-weather capable with night operation capabilities, making it a crucial asset in fleet defense.
The C-5M Galaxy is one of the world’s largest strategic transport aircraft operated by the US Air Force, capable of long-distance transport of large quantities of cargo and vehicles. Equipped with modern engines and avionics, it offers high reliability and efficiency.
With a maximum payload of approximately 127 tons, it can transport tanks, large helicopters, and other heavy equipment, making it the US military’s largest transport aircraft.
It’s absolutely massive. The world-class scale is incredible.
We were also able to enter the C-5M GALAXY’s interior.
Next, let’s look at the Japan Air Self-Defense Force aircraft.
The UH-60J is a rescue helicopter used by the JASDF, derived from the Black Hawk. Capable of operating in adverse weather conditions, it plays a vital role in lifesaving and disaster response missions.
Based on Sikorsky’s UH-60, it’s equipped with infrared night vision devices and weather radar for night and adverse weather rescue operations. It served from 1991 to 2022 and is being replaced by the upgraded UH-60J model.
The OH-1 is a Japanese-developed reconnaissance helicopter nicknamed “Ninja.” It features high maneuverability and low infrared signature, primarily conducting enemy force intelligence gathering and surveillance missions.
The Ninja works in conjunction with the AH-1S anti-tank helicopter for battlefield reconnaissance missions. It features a distinctive cockpit with excellent forward visibility and tandem rotor design. Developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries.
The CH-47J is a large transport helicopter operated by the JASDF, the Japanese version of the Chinook. It’s used for various missions including heavy equipment and personnel transport, and disaster relief supply delivery.
This particular Chinook came from Iruma Air Base.
The F-35A is the JASDF’s latest stealth fighter. It features advanced stealth capabilities and intelligence gathering abilities, excelling in multiple roles including enemy air defense penetration and air combat.
The Lightning II combines advanced stealth features with integrated sensor capabilities, capable of both air-to-air and air-to-ground missions. Manufactured by Lockheed Martin, it began operations at Misawa Air Base in 2019.
The C-130H is a tactical transport aircraft operated by the JASDF, nicknamed “Hercules.” It serves in various roles including personnel and cargo transport, disaster support, and rescue operations.
The Kawasaki C-1 is a short-range tactical transport aircraft developed in Japan. It’s capable of short-field takeoffs and landings, specialized for cargo and personnel transport, and disaster relief missions.
The F-2 is a multi-role fighter jointly developed by Japan (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries) and the United States (Lockheed Martin). It excels in anti-ship attacks and air combat, featuring advanced electronics and domestically developed maneuverability technology.
Based on the F-16 but enlarged, it incorporates Japanese-specific electronics and radar systems. With excellent anti-ship and ground attack capabilities, it has been in JASDF service since the late 1990s.
The T-4 is a Japanese-developed intermediate trainer aircraft, used for JASDF pilot training and by the Blue Impulse aerobatic demonstration team. It features high performance and reliability.
This is the standard T-4.
And this is the Blue Impulse version of the T-4.
The LAV (Light Armored Vehicle) is a lightweight armored vehicle used by the JASDF, suitable for reconnaissance, defense, and transport missions. It combines high mobility with protective capabilities.
The four-wheel-drive armored vehicle is used for command, reconnaissance, and security missions, featuring high mobility and excellent protection. It can accommodate up to 7 personnel and mount a 12.7mm machine gun.
The 16MCV (Maneuver Combat Vehicle) is a wheeled combat vehicle used by the JASDF and JGSDF, emphasizing high speed and mobility. Armed with a 105mm gun, it’s effective in anti-tank warfare and fire support roles.
Lighter and more mobile than tanks, it’s well-suited for island defense and rapid deployment missions. Developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.
The NBC Reconnaissance Vehicle is designed to deal with Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical threats. It performs rapid detection and analysis of contamination, playing a crucial role in disaster response and special missions.
This specialized vehicle is used for reconnaissance in areas contaminated by NBC weapons. It’s equipped with command post communication capabilities, various detection equipment, and information processing systems, allowing it to survey and collect contamination data while protecting its crew. The vehicle features a highly protective sealed body structure.
The 2022 Yokota Air Base US-Japan Friendship Festival not only allowed us to witness the historic moment of Air Force One’s landing but also provided a rare opportunity for close-up encounters with the latest US and Japanese aircraft and equipment. From the F-35A to the CV-22 Osprey and C-5M Galaxy - aircraft rarely seen by the public - the grand scale of the display powerfully demonstrated Yokota Air Base’s vital role in the US-Japan alliance.
This major event, limited to just two days per year and attracting 300,000 visitors, is a precious base opening opportunity perfect for both aviation enthusiasts and families. From impressive aircraft displays to stage performances and base cuisine, the Yokota Air Base Friendship Festival stands as the Greater Tokyo Area’s premier airshow experience.
This report comes to you from Yokota Air Base.
