History: Shinmaywa US-2

The ShinMaywa US-2 (formerly Shin Meiwa) is a Japanese STOL amphibious aircraft designed for air-sea search and rescue operations. The primary user of the aircraft is the Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force.

Development

Background

Production

Design

Technology

Operational Service

The ShinMaywa US-2 aicraft is currently operated by Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force through the 31st Fleet Air Wing (71st Air Force, 71st Flight Squadron) at Iwakuni Air Base and Atsugi Air Base

Competitors

Sales and Deliveries

Indian Navy

Currently the aircraft is used only in Japan, however the Indian Navy is interested in acquiring some 15-18 ShinMaywa US-2 aircraft at an estimated cost of US1.65 billion. These aircraft would be stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Accidents

Specifications

General characteristics

• Crew: 11
• Capacity: 20 passengers or 12 stretchers
• Length: 33.46 m (109 ft 9 in)
• Wingspan: 33.15 m (108 ft 9 in)
• Height: 9.8 m (32 ft 2 in)
• Wing area: 135.8 m2 (1,462 sq ft)
• Empty weight: 25,630 kg (56,504 lb)
• Gross weight: 43,000 kg (94,799 lb) water take-off
• Max takeoff weight: 47,700 kg (105,160 lb) land take-off
• Powerplant: 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100J turboprop, 3,424 kW (4,592 hp) each
• Powerplant: 1 × LHTEC T800 turboshaft Boundary layer control compressor, 1,017 kW (1,364 hp)
• Propellers: 6-bladed Dowty R414

Performance

• Maximum speed: 560 km/h (348 mph; 302 kn)
• Cruising speed: 480 km/h (298 mph; 259 kn) at 6,000 m (20,000 ft)
• Range: 4,700 km (2,920 mi; 2,538 nmi)
• Service ceiling: 7,195 m (23,606 ft)
• Takeoff distance on ground at MTOW: 490 m (1,610 ft)
• Landing distance on ground at MTOW: 1,500 m (4,900 ft)
• Takeoff distance on water at Loaded weight: 280 m (920 ft)
• Landing distance on water at Loaded weight: 330 m (1,080 ft)

Related aircraft

Shinmaywa US-1A

Further reading

List of seaplanes and amphibious aircraft
List of flying boats
List of military aircraft produced in Japan)