US-2 connects Sea, Air, and Land
The world's highest performance amphibian aircraft, "US-2", is contributing to rescue and support operations at sea and on remote islands.
Amphibian Aircraft with a Proven Track Record
An “amphibian aircraft” is one that can land on either land or water. US-2 is operated as STOL (short take-off and landing) search and rescue amphibian by JMSDF of Japan Ministry of Defense. Including its predecessor US-1, our amphibians have been dispatched over 1,000 times to rescue victims of maritime accidents.
Technological features / equipment
In addition to better cruising performance, the US-2 features numerous improvements over its predecessor US-1 for safe operations even during inclement weather.
- 1Electronic integrated instrument panel
Digitalized meters are integrated into one LCD panel
- 2Pressurized cabin
For high-altitude flights above low-pressure areas to ease stress on patients
- 3 "Fly-by-wire (FBW)" control system
Computer-controlled flight system enhances safety and flight controllability
- 4High-powered engines / propellers using the latest designs
- 5Outstanding seaworthiness
- 6Takeoff / landing on water at extremely low speeds
Unrivaled water surface takeoff and landing capability
Land on water with waves 1/3 of its own height.
Land on rough seas with wave height of 3m. Saving lives under harsh conditions!
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Excellent Short Take-Off and Landing (STOL) capabilities
The US-2 requires only one-fourth of the distance that commercial airliners require for takeoff and landing. An additional advantage is that, as an amphibian aircraft, the US-2 does not require runway construction.
It has excellent STOL (short take-off and landing) performance, and does not require a long runway like regular passenger aircraft.
Further and faster. Rescue operations can be carried out over a wide range.
The improvements to the engines and the introduction of a pressurized cabin increased speed and extended operational range over the previous US-1A model. These improvements make possible rescue capability for an even wider operational area.
- *1Number of islands covered by the 2009 outlying island development measures
- *2 Number of islands covered by the outlying island development measures that have a civilian runway of 1,500m or more.