ShinMaywa US-2

History of Xinming and US-2

The airship, although not used as frequently as in military aviation over the past few decades, is still intact on a handful of aircraft including Japan's Shinmei and US-2. The US-2 went beyond the capabilities of an airship, adding its own landing gear, making the aircraft a true "amphibious aircraft". With this attribute, the US-2 is well positioned to provide search and rescue (SAR) missions to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF). The first flight took place on December 18, 2003, and the series launch took place on March 30, 2007. In production since 2003.

The series was adopted as the successor to the aging US-1/PS-1 amphibious airship series, of which 43 were produced.

Early in its life, the US-2 belonged to the Shinmeiwa Industries brand label until the company was reborn as Shinmeiwa Industries of Takarazuka (Hyogo Prefecture) in 1992.

The US-2 has a typical crew of 11 and can accommodate up to 20 passengers or 12 appropriately staffed medical stretchers. The aircraft has a total length of 33.5 meters, a wingspan of 33 meters and a height of 9.8 meters. Empty weight is 56,500 lbs and maximum takeoff weight (MTOW) is 105,150 lbs.

Power is provided by four Rolls-Royce AE2100J series turboprop engines, each producing 4,590 horsepower, driving a six-bladed Dowty R414 series propeller unit. Additional boundary layer control is provided by the LHTEC T800 turbo engine, delivering an additional 1,360 hp. Performance specs include a top speed of 350 mph, a cruising speed of 300 mph, a range of up to 3,000 miles and a service ceiling of up to 23,600 feet.

The performance of the US-2 provides the Short Takeoff and Landing (STOL) qualities that maritime services have always appreciated.

Externally, the US-2 has a traditional airship appearance, with shoulder-mounted wings holding the engines along its leading edge, a T-tail and a boat-like fuselage below the fuselage. The cockpit is located aft and above the nose, offering impressive future visibility, as well as an unobstructed view of the engine. The pontoon pontoon is carried under each main-wing aircraft other than the engine pairing.

Cargo holds are suitable for many types of maritime missions (including resupply planning), but primarily serve search and rescue missions.

In addition to the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, the US-2 has also attracted the Indian Navy's interest in finding a modern SAR platform. The service can acquire up to 18 types.

Japanese Navy US-2 aircraft are located at Iwakuni Air Base in southwestern Japan and Atsugi Air Base in eastern Japan.

Specification

Basic

Production

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Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes