The US-2 is a capable plane that is particularly helpful during rescue operations.
In the current period, only a few countries in the world are capable of designing and manufacturing seaplanes, and Japan is one of them. At this time, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force are using ShinMaywa US-2 multi-role seaplanes.
A total of 6 aircraft of this type are in operation. The sixth seaplane was purchased for 12 billion yen in 2013, nearly $156 million. At such a price, US-2 can be classified as the most expensive seaplane in the world.
The development of the ShinMaywa US-2 took eight years to complete. With the Shin Meiwa US-1A fleet introduced in the 1970s beginning to reach the end of its service life, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force attempted to obtain funding for a replacement in the 1990s, but could not obtain enough to develop an entirely new aircraft.
In October 1996, ShinMaywa was nominated by the Ministry of Defence as a main contractor to develop advanced version of existing US-1 aircraft. The new aircraft was designated US-1A Kai. This aircraft features numerous aerodynamic refinements, a pressurised hull, and more powerful engines. Flight tests began on December 18, 2003. The US-1A Kai was re-designated the US-2 Amphibian, and was formally inducted to a squadron in March 2007.
As an improved version of US-1A, the ShinMaywa US-2 inherits the design lines of its predecessor. The design of the airframe demonstrates versatility, allowing it to switch easily for missions. It could be a fire-fighting amphibian, passenger transport aircraft, or a multi-purpose amphibian.
The appearance of the ShinMaywa US-2 is no different from a traditional flying boat: a pair of straight wings on the shoulders with two engines on each wing. The tail is a typical T-type configuration. The wings and fuselage are made of composite materials with the standard dimensions of 33.5m in length, 33.2m in wingspan and 9.8m in height.
The cockpit is located just behind the sharp nose, giving great visibility forward and the engines on either side. The glass cockpit is equipped with an integrated control panel. A single LCD panel integrates the digitalised meters.
The ShinMaywa US-2 incorporates fly-by-wire flight control system, the computerised flight system improves the safety and controllability of the aircraft. Under each main wing is arranged a Pontoon float to help the plane balance on the water. The empty weight of the aircraft is 25.6t and the maximum takeoff weight is 47.7t.
The aircraft can carry up to 20 passengers or 12 stretchers. In addition, the aircraft is also equipped with a tricycle type landing gear to operate on land.
