ShinMaywa US-2
ShinMaywa Industries · Japan · first flew 2003 · transport aircraft
The ShinMaywa US-2 is a large Japanese search and rescue flying boat operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. It features boundary layer control for short water take-offs and landings in rough seas, and is one of the most capable amphibious aircraft in the world.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 4 × turboprop, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 33.46 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | T-tail |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Large Japanese maritime rescue flying boat with T-tail and high wing
- Four Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprops above a deep hull with spray suppression
- Boundary layer control system for exceptionally short water take-off runs
A large high-wing flying boat with four turboprops mounted high on the wing, a T-tail, a prominent hull, and small stabilising floats under each wing. The BLC exhausts along the leading edge are invisible externally.
Specifications
- The ShinMaywa US-2 has a length of 33.46 m (110 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 33.15 m (109 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 560 km/h (348 mph).
- Typical crew: 11 crew plus survivors.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed as a successor to the US-1A, the US-2 first flew in December 2003 and entered service in 2007. The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force uses it for maritime rescue missions in the western Pacific. India has expressed interest in acquiring the type, and ShinMaywa has pitched export versions.
Variants
The US-1A was the direct predecessor. Proposed export variants have been offered to India under the designation ShinMaywa US-2i.
Where you'll see it
Exclusively operated by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's 71st Air Group at Iwakuni for open-ocean search and rescue. Not operated by UK forces.
Related aircraft
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