ShinMaywa US-2

US-2
ShinMaywa US-2
Role Air-sea rescue amphibian
Manufacturer ShinMaywa
First flight 18 December 2003
Introduction 30 March 2007
Status in production
Primary user Japan Maritime Self Defense Force
Produced 2003–Present
Number built 4 (3 expected)
Developed from ShinMaywa US-1A
Shin-Meiwa US-2 search and rescue flying boat

The ShinMaywa US-2 (formerly Shin Meiwa) is a Japanese large STOL amphibious aircraft designed for air-sea rescue (SAR) work. Operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the US-2 is scheduled to replace the older Shin Meiwa US-1A in Japanese service.

Design and development

With the Shin Meiwa US-1A fleet introduced in the 1970s beginning to reach the end of its service life, the JMSDF attempted to obtain funding for a replacement in the 1990s, but could not obtain enough to develop an entirely new aircraft. Therefore, in 1995, ShinMaywa (as Shin Meiwa was by then renamed) began plans for an upgraded version of the US-1A, the US-1A kai (US-1A 改 - "improved US-1A"). This aircraft features numerous aerodynamic refinements, a pressurised hull, and more powerful Rolls-Royce AE 2100 engines. Flight tests began on December 18, 2003. The JMSDF purchased up to 14 of these aircraft, which entered service as the ShinMaywa US-2.

Operational history

The aircraft is currently operated by the 31st Fleet Air Wing (71st Air Force, 71st Flight Squadron) at Iwakuni air base and Atsugi air base.

In April 2015 aircraft 9905 was involved in an accident.[1] The aircraft was on a training mission near Cape Ashizuri in Shikoku and four crew members were injured.[2]

Export

The Indian Navy has a requirement for 12–18 US-2 Amphibious Search and Rescue aircraft at a cost of $USD1.65 billion. It is expected that these amphibious aircraft will be stationed in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.[3][4] As of October 2016, a contract has not been signed by India,[5] but ShinMaywa has reduced the price to around $USD 113 million per aircraft.[6]

There were expectations that a contract for the order would be signed in November 2016,[7] but it was deferred by the Indian defense minister Manohar Parrikar.[8][9]

There have also been reports that Thailand is interested in purchasing the aircraft.[10]

Indonesia is another prospective customer.[11]

Operators

 Japan

Specifications (US-2)

A JMSDF US-2 at Haneda Airport

Data from ShinMaywa[12][13][14]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

Related lists

References

Notes

  1. ↑ ShinMaywa US-2 involved in major accident at sea April 29, 2015 FlightGlobal Retrieved December 9, 2016
  2. ↑ Aircraft accident ShinMaywa US-2 9905 Aircraft Safety Network Retrieved December 9, 2016
  3. ↑ "For First Time Since World War 2, Japan Will Sell Military Equipment. To India". NDTV. Retrieved 26 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Chandra, Atul (4 September 2014). "India looks to acquire 18 ShinMaywa US-2 amphibians". Flightglobal. Bangalore: Reed Business Information. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  5. ↑ Waldron, Greg (12 October 2016). "JAPAN AEROSPACE: India US-2 deal sees no progress". Flightglobal. Retrieved 15 October 2016.
  6. ↑ Raghuvanshi, Vivek (20 October 2016). "India Resolves US-2 Aircraft Price Issue With Japan". www.defensenews.com. Sightline Media Group. Retrieved 20 October 2016.
  7. ↑ Japan, India likely to ink pivotal US-2 aircraft deal November 6, 2016 Japan Times Retrieved November 28, 2016
  8. ↑ Defence minister Manohar Parrikar defers Rs 10,000 crore deal for 12 Japanese aircraft November 10, 2016 India Today Retrieved November 28, 2016
  9. ↑ GOVT OK’S NEW BLACKLISTING POLICY, RS 80K-CR DEF DEALS November 8, 2016 The Pioneer Retrieved November 28, 2016
  10. ↑ Thailand Mulling Purchase of Japanese Sub-Hunting Aircraft June 7, 2016 The Diplomat Retrieved December 9, 2016
  11. ↑ Indo Defence 2016: ShinMaywa inches towards US-2 sale to Indonesia November 4, 2016 Jane's
  12. ↑ "Performance of the State-of-the-Art US-2: US-2 Specifications". ShinMaywa. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
  13. ↑ Lake, Jon (November 2005). "ShinMaywa's Innovative Amphibian". Air International. Stamford: Key Publishing. 69 (5): 26–30. ISSN 0306-5634.
  14. ↑ "US-2: STOL Search and Rescue Amphibian" (pdf). ShinMaywa. Retrieved 21 March 2015.
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