ShinMaywa US-2
The ShinMaywa US-2 is a large Japanese short takeoff and landing 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 during the 1970s.
| 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 | 8 (1 expected) |
| Developed from | Shin Meiwa US-1A |
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. Various overseas operators have held discussions on potential acquisitions of the type, including the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Other countries such as the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, and Greece have also shown interest in the US-2 for various purposes.