Mitsubishi MH2000

After obtaining big experience building models under license, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries began development of first indigenous helicopter manufacturing both the fuselage and engines. An experimental aircraft, the Mitsubishi RP-1, used a conventional tail rotor and first flew on September 14, 1994. In 1995 began development of the MH2000, a 7/12 seats helicopter fitted with a Fenestron-like tail rotor, which completed maiden flight on July 29, 1996 and achieving Japanese certification on August 1997. The prototype was lost due to tail rotor blade separation and after redesign the production aircraft were known as MH2000A. The type entered service October 1, 2000 with Excel air service but program was terminated in 2004 with only 8 aircraft built.