History
Large four-engined amphibian of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, for search and rescue at sea.
The ShinMaywa US-2 is a large Japanese short takeoff and landing turboprop amphibious aircraft that employs boundary layer control technology for enhanced STOL and stall suppression performance. Manufactured by seaplane specialist ShinMaywa (formerly Shin Meiwa), it was developed from the earlier Shin Meiwa US-1A seaplane, which was introduced in the 1970s.
The ShinMaywa US-2 was developed on behalf of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as a ‘like-for-like’ replacement for its aging US-1A fleet. In Japanese service, it is operated in the air-sea rescue (ASR) role. The US-2 can also be used in other capacities, such as an aerial fire fighter, carrying 15 tonnes of water for this mission.[1]
Overseas operators have held discussions on potential acquisitions of the type, including the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Countries such as the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, and Greece have also shown interest in the US-2 for various purposes.
Design and development
In 1969, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) issued a production order to Japanese seaplane manufacturer Shin Meiwa for a group of 21 anti-submarine aircraft, which were given the designation PS-1.[2] The service also procured a variant of the type, designated US-1A, specifically for search-and-rescue (SAR).
During the 1990s when the US-1A fleet was beginning to show its age, the JMSDF attempted to obtain funding towards acquiring a replacement, but could not secure enough to develop an entirely new aircraft. Therefore, in 1995, ShinMaywa, as Shin Meiwa had been renamed, reportedly so that the name would be easier to pronounce for non-Japanese speakers,[2] began work on a project to develop an upgraded and modernised version of the US-1A, initially referred to as the US-1A kai (US-1A 改 – meaning “improved US-1A