ShinMaywa looks to upgrade US-2 amphibious aircraft

ShinMaywa's US-2 amphibious search and rescue aircraft is pictured taking part in Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force operations. (Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force)

Japan's ShinMaywa Industries has initiated a series of upgrades for its US-2 amphibious aircraft as it looks to extend its customer base beyond the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF).

Speaking to Janes at the Indo-Pacific Irregular Warfare Symposium in Honolulu, Hawaii, in August, ShinMaywa officials confirmed that several significant upgrades are under way, including an automatic night-landing capability as well as increased cargo capacity that could expand the potential roles of the aircraft.

“ShinMaywa would like to expand the operation availability of the US-2 to improve the rescue mission capability, transportation mission capability, and other mission capabilities,” a company official said.

Details about the upgrades were not disclosed but the official explained how an automatic night-landing system will support the “detection of sea surface conditions by sensors and establishment of automatic flight control logic”.

Cargo capacity

Elsewhere, increased cargo capacity will be enabled through the “reinforcement of floor panels and expansion of doors”, the official added.

ShinMaywa officials also suggested that front-load capacity of the US-2 could be doubled from 4,400 lb to 8,800 lb with aft capacity improved from 2,200 lb to 3,085 lb.

The US-2 airframe already includes the capability to carry a pair of small inflatable boats that can be used by special operations forces to conduct a beach landing or visit, board, search, and seizure (VBSS) maritime interdiction, although it remains unclear whether additional boats could be carried following the cargo expansion upgrade.

Confirming the upgrades as internal research and development effort by ShinMaywa, the company official also said there is “no specific timelines [in place] at this point”.