ShinMaywa seeks to retain industrial base through new US-2 order

Japanese company has produced US-2 amphibian slowly and in small numbers.
Japan’s ShinMaywa is seeking further orders for its US-2 amphibian, as it continues work on the 10th example of the type.

A key focus is completing the 10th aircraft for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force but then securing additional orders to ensure it retains the industrial capability to build additional aircraft, according to a company report.

Tokyo has yet to announce a commitment for an 11th US-2, which serves in the long-range search-and-rescue mission.

In addition to securing an order for aircraft 11, ShinMaywa also hopes to secure more long-term maintenance contracts related to the JMSDF’s US-2 fleet, which would help stabilise revenue. It aims to maintain US-2-related revenue at Y8-10 billion ($51-63 million) annually.

The US-2 is the world’s second-largest amphibian after the AVIC AG600. Powered by four Rolls-Royce AE2100J turboprops, the US-2 has a maximum range of 2,540nm (4,700km) and can take off and land in 3m (10ft) swells.

It has a unique boundary-layer-control (BLC) system, which uses compressed air discharged through slots in the flaps to prevent airflow separation and increase lift. This allows the aircraft to land in high sea states inaccessible to other amphibious aircraft.

The report also highlights other aerospace efforts, including development of an uncrewed aircraft.

ShinMaywa has previously said that it is testing an unmanned amphibian designated XU-M II for oceanic research missions. The test aircraft is one-fifth the scale of a proposed unmanned amphibian.

The company also remains involved in commercial aerospace, producing the Boeing 787’s wing spars, wing-body fairings for the 777/777X, and components for the Bombardier Global 7500 business jet.

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