No Competition In Amphibious Aircraft Competition, Says US-2 Manufacturer

Japanese aircraft maker ShinMaywa is hoping to supply the US-2 amphibious short take-off and landing (STOL) aircraft to the Indian Navy which is currently looking to induct new naval aircraft.

In 2011, ShinMaywa was granted permission by Japanese government to respond to a global request for information (RFI) by the Indian Navy

In an interview with Defenseworld.net, Director & CEO of ShinMayaw India, Sujeet Samaddar, said, “Unfortunately there in no competition, this technology is very advanced and is forward looking. The technology used on the aircraft can and will meet global competition”.

He added, “Offsets for us are an opportunity, not a burden. We have an interesting offset plan and great ideas to work with SMEs, and educational institutions like the IITs. We’re currently exploring to see if final integration can be done in India”.

The aircraft is designed for air-sea rescue missions, is equipped with a glass cockpit with integrated instrument panel. A single LCD panel integrates the digitalised meters. The aircraft incorporates fly-by-wire flight control system. The computerised flight system improves the safety and controllability of the aircraft.

The US-2 aircraft can fly at a maximum altitude of over 6,000m. It has the cruising speed of 480km/h and maximum speed of 560km/h. The maximum range of the aircraft is over 4,500km. The maximum take-off weights of the aircraft on land and water are 47.7t and 43t respectively.