SP’s M.A.I. met Yasuo Kawanishi, Director, Executive General Manager (Business Development & Amphibious Aircraft Programme) and Managing Director ShinMaywa, India, and Kanji Ishimaru, Director, Member of the Board and Senior Managing Executive Officer, ShinMaywa.

During the brief interaction Kawanishi highlighted the capabilities and significant characteristics of US-2. He shared the experiences of the pilots who flew this amphibian aircraft and found that the US-2 is far easier to fly than the US-1A. US-2 has improved operational performance – the pressurised cabin creates a comfortable space for the rescued, as well as the crew. Another reason why the US-2 is enjoying high popularity is its significantly longer cruising distance. The considerable extension of its maximum unrefuelled range has allowed a greater number of applications.

Kawanishi added that only three countries currently make amphibian aircraft: Japan, Canada, and Russia. However, only the US-2 can meet all of the diverse performance requirements in the market, namely, the capability to land on the ocean, carry a large number of people, and cover long distances.

Kawanishi hoped that through exhaustive acquisition process and detailed technical and technological scrutiny and evaluations, capability and utility of a versatile platform like US-2 will be acceptable to the Government of India, as a first time acquisition of military hardware from Japan.

US-2 Specifications

Length  33.3 m  Wingspan  33.2 m  Height  9.8 m  Engine  Rolls-Royce  AE2100Jx4  Propeller  Dowty R414  Max Take-off  Weight/Distance  47.7 t/490 m  Max Landing  Weight/Distance  47.7 t/1,500 m  Max Take-off  Weight/Distance (on water)  43.0 t/280 m  Max Landing  Weight/Distance (on water)  43.0 t/330 m  Range  Over 4,500 km  Cruise Altitude  More than 6,000 m  Cruise Speed  More than 480 kmph  Max Speed  More than 560 kmph

Source: ShinMaywa