Last time, we talked about the exterior outfitting of the aircraft. This time, I would like to introduce the interior of the aircraft. This is interior construction work for a building.

Inside the US-2, there are electronic equipment such as the control system and navigation system necessary for flight, and a mission computer necessary for rescue missions, as well as seats for the crew, stretchers to put rescued people on, and long-term operation and navigation systems. It is equipped with a toilet in preparation for a mission, and a simple galley that can provide hot drinks to rescuers who get cold in the cold sea. There is also dedicated space and racks for storing rescue equipment such as rubber boats and diving equipment used by onboard rescue personnel. In-flight outfitting refers to the work that involves installing such equipment and connecting wiring and piping to ensure proper operation.

Inside the aircraft, wiring and piping are first routed along structural members such as frames and stringers (introduced in Part 5). Next, electronic equipment is installed, and the cockpit is equipped with control devices and monitors. In regular Self-Defense Force aircraft such as transportation aircraft, there are many models in which structural materials, wiring, piping, etc. are exposed inside the aircraft in order to make it even slightly lighter, but in the US-2, the entire interior of the aircraft is covered with a cover. It has a solid interior that looks like a passenger plane. This is to prevent the equipment from being exposed to droplets from rescue personnel and persons in need of rescue (rescued persons) who are drenched in seawater.

★ Click here for the link to Part 5
"[Series] How the US-2 is made (5)”

In addition, when the wind is strong or the waves are high, seawater may flow into the cabin from the rescue door, but large steps and doors have been installed to prevent seawater from flowing into the front passenger compartment. The structure allows water to drain from under the floor to the outside of the machine. Even parts that may seem pointless at first glance are filled with special attention to detail for rescue missions.

Finally, the interior and exterior rigging of the aircraft has been completed, and it now looks complete. Next time, I will tell you about the process of checking whether the completed "US-2" is functioning properly.

*Outfitting: The process of installing the engine and equipment inside and outside the aircraft, or the equipment itself.