ShinMaywa INSIGHT

[Series] How the US-2 is made (14)

Close coverage by a professional writer

Check that moving parts work properly.


After outfitting the interior and exterior outfitting of the aircraft, the US-2 looks almost complete. Next, check whether the installed rotor blades and gears are working properly.

The US-2 is based on the design of its predecessor, the US-1A, and has been modified to incorporate the latest theory and technology at the time of its development. For example, in the previous model's control system, the control system and control surfaces such as aileron, rudder, and elevator were directly connected through hydraulic pipes, but in the US-2, movements made by the pilot to the control system were first transmitted through electrical signals. It is controlled by converting the signal into 100% and sending it through electric wires to the actuators that move each control surface. This is called fly by wire. In addition, the engine control is the same, and it is equipped with FADEC (Full Authority Digital Engine Control), which is similar to modern passenger aircraft, greatly reducing the pilot's workload compared to flying boats up to the US-1A.

Once the US-2 has been outfitted, it will be checked at the factory to see if it operates normally before flight tests. The engine cannot be started in the factory, so devices that supply power and hydraulic pressure are connected to the aircraft to actually move the control surfaces and gears (landing gear). He is very serious as he watches the movements of the rudder and gears, making sure not to overlook even the slightest discomfort.

Engine checks are performed in a dedicated area with soundproof walls after rollout (when the aircraft is completed and removed from the factory building).

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

「US-2」の主翼。動翼は面積が広く、作動角も一般的な航空機よりはるかに大きくなっています。向かって左から、エルロン、外舷(がいげん)フラップ、内舷フラップです(1) Main wing of “US-2”. The moving blades have a large area and the operating angle is much larger than that of a typical aircraft. From left to right: aileron, outboard flap, and inboard flap.
舵面の一つ、ラダーです。チェックの前に、作動角を確認・調整するための目盛りが取り付けられています(2) One of the control surfaces is the rudder. Before checking, a scale is installed to confirm and adjust the working angle.
低速で揚力を増すための主翼前縁のスラットです。「US-2」の主翼上面にはスポイラー(空気抵抗により揚力を制御する装置)もあります(3) Slats on the leading edge of the main wing to increase lift at low speeds. The US-2 also has a spoiler (a device that controls lift using air resistance) on the top of the main wing.
降着装置の作動チェック前に、油圧ジャッキで機体を持ち上げます(4) Before checking the operation of the landing gear, lift the aircraft using a hydraulic jack.
手前にあるのは、エンジンを使用しなくても、機内に油圧を供給できる装置です(5) In the foreground is a device that can supply hydraulic pressure to the cabin without using the engine.
ノーズ・ギアとギアカバーのチェックです(6) Check the nose gear and gear cover.
メインギアのチェックです。(7) Check the main gear.


Writer Hidenori Itakura

 

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