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April 19, 2007
ShinMaywa launches commercial production of US-2 STOL Search and Rescue Amphibians
ShinMaywa Industries, Ltd. (President: Tadashi Kaneki) announced today that on April 19, 2007 it entered into full-scale production of its first mass-produced model US-2 STOL Search and Rescue Amphibians to fulfill an order placed by the Ministry of Defense of Japan.
Developed as a successor to US-1A STOL Search and Rescue Amphibians, which are currently operated by the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the US-2 is an STOL Amphibian that incorporates Japan's own proprietary technologies. Having been nominated by the Defense Agency of Japan (now the Ministry of Defense) as a main contractor, we started development of STOL amphibians in 1996. Following a successful first flight on December 18, 2003, the first prototype was delivered in March 2004, followed by the second prototype in December of that same year. After the technical / service test of the first two models that lasted roughly three years at the Iwakuni Air Base of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, the amphibian was officially fielded by the Self-Defense Force this March for a continued operational test to be implemented.
Following the signing of a contract in fiscal 2005, we have made preparations for full-scale production of this first mass-produced model by arranging materials and manufacturing components. Now that assembly of the hull has begun, we have embarked on a full-scale production of the aircraft. In order to enhance its integrity, the design has been partially modified based on the results of the technical / service test by the Ministry of Defense.
Capable of taking off and landing on the ocean surface, the US-1A STOL Search and Rescue Amphibian, which is currently in use, has been in operation mainly for rescuing casualties at sea and/or transporting emergency patients in remote islands with no airport, and has been dispatched a total of 785 times to save 767 lives as of March 31, 2007.
In order to further advance its performance, the US-2 has undergone remodeling work which has incorporated extensive new technologies with focus on improving: 1. its search and rescue capabilities at sea, 2. maneuverability when taking off/landing on water, and 3. patient transport conditions. The result is improved marine search and rescue performance and increased comfort for accident victims and emergency patients during transportation.
Delivery of the US-2 to the Ministry of Defense is scheduled to be completed by the end of March 2009.
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1. Features of the US-2
| 1. | Computerized fly-by-wire flight control system |
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| 2. | Pressurized cabin |
| 3. | Greater power achieved through replacement of main engine |
| 4. | Integrated instrument panel (glass cockpit) |
| 5. | Lightweight main wing, spray suppressor, and wing tip float |
2. Key Specifications
| 1. Overall length: | 33.25m |
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| 2. Overall width: | 33.15m |
| 3. Overall height: | 10.06m |
| 4. Maximum speed: | 315 Kt (approx. 580 Km/h) |
| 5. Cruising altitude: | 20,000 ft (approx. 6,100 m) |
| 6. Cruising range: | approx. 2,500 nm (approx. 4,600 km) |