Low levels of interest in the aircraft forced Mitsubishi to halt sales of MH2000 in September 2004.

The MH2000 is Japan's first indigenous helicopter with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI) having sole responsibility for developing and manufacturing the fuselage and engines.

The program was launched in 1995 to fulfill a variety of missions, include passenger and business transport, law enforcement, search and rescue and emergency medical services.

The first of four developmental aircraft first flew on 29 July 1996, the second flying later that year and the remaining two used for ground testing.

The MH2000 has its engine module and dynamic system positioned behind the cabin section to minimize sound levels in the passenger compartment.