ShinMaywa US-1

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ShinMaywa US-1A
Description
Role	Air-sea rescue amphibian
Crew	nine - pilot, co-pilot, flight engineer, navigator, radio operator, radar operator, two observers
First Flight	October 5, 1967 (PX-S)
Entered Service	1971 (PS-1)
Manufacturer	ShinMaywa
Dimensions
Length	33.46 m	109 ft 9 in
Wingspan	33.15 m	108 ft 9 in
Height	9.82 m	32 ft 3 in
Wing area	136 m²	1,463 ft²
Weights
Empty	25,500 kg	56,220 lb
Loaded	kg	lb
Maximum takeoff	45,000 kg	99,200 lb
Capacity	20 survivors or 12 stretchers
Powerplant
Engines	4x General Electric T64 turboprops (Ishikawajima 10J)
Power	10,414 kW	13,960 hp
Performance
Maximum speed	495 km/h	310 mph
Range	4,200 km	2,610 miles
Service ceiling	8,200 m	27,000 ft
Rate of climb	713 m/min	2,340 ft/min
Wing loading	kg/m²	lb/ft²
Power/Mass	kW/kg	lb/hp
Avionics
Ocean search radar

The ShinMaywa PS-1 and US-1 (Japanese: 新明和 PS-1, US-1) are large STOL aircraft designed for anti-submarine warfare (ASW) and air-sea rescue (SAR) work respectively. The PS-1 was a flying boat which carried its own beaching gear on board, while the US-1 is a true amphibian.

In 1960, ShinMaywa (then Shin Meiwa) demonstrated a prototype flying boat, the UF-XS that featured a novel boundary layer control system to provide enhanced STOL performance. The company also built upon its wartime experience (as Kawanishi) to refine the UF-1 Albatross hull that the aircraft was based on. In 1966, the JMSDF awarded the company a contract to further develop these ideas into an ASW patrol aircraft. Two prototypes were built under the designation PS-X and flight tests began on October 5 1967, leading to an order for production under the designation PS-1 in 1969.

Apart from the boundary layer control system (powered by an independent gas turbine carried in the fuselage), the aircraft had a number of other innovative features, including a system to suppress spray during water handling, and directing the exhaust from the aircraft's four turboprop engines over its wings to create yet more lift. Between 1971 and 1978, the JMSDF ordered 21 of these aircraft, and operated them until 1989 when they were phased out and replaced with P-3 Orions. The small production run resulted in an extremely high unit-cost for these aircraft, and the programme was politically controversial.

The PS-1 had not been in service long before the JMSDF requested the development of a search-and-rescue variant. The deletion of the PS-1's military equipment allowed for greater fuel capacity, workable landing gear, and rescue equipment. The new variant, the US-1, could also quickly be converted for troop-carrying duties. First flown on October 15 1974, it was accepted into service the following year, and eventually 19 aircraft were purchased. From the seventh aircraft on, an uprated version of the original engine was used, but all aircraft were eventually modified to this US-1A standard. The US-1's first rescue was from a Greek vessel in 1976. Between that time and 1999, US-1s had been used in over 500 rescues, saving 550 lives.

With the US-1 fleet beginning to show its age, the JMSDF attempted to obtain funding for a replacement in the 1990s, but could not obtain enough to develop an entirely new aircraft. Therefore, in 1995, ShinMaywa began plans for an upgraded version of the US-1A, the US-1A kai (US-1A 改 - "improved US-1A"). This aircraft features numerous aerodynamic refinements, a pressurised hull, and more powerful engines. Flight tests began on December 18 2003. It is expected that the JMSDF may eventually purchase up to 14 of these aircraft, to enter service around 2007 as US-2.

Operators

• Japan Maritime Self Defence Force.

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