Extreme Operating Conditions With ShinMaywa US-2 Amphibious Aircraft

Powered by GE Aviation’s Dowty Propellers, the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force’s fleet of ShinMaywa US-2 STOL search and rescue amphibian aircraft has been proven in extreme mission conditions, as demonstrated by a challenging rescue at sea during the summer. In recognition of Japan’s successful service experience with the US-2 – including the June 21 recovery of two persons from the Pacific Ocean – Dowty Propellers presented the JMSDF with a commemorative plaque, provided to the 31st Fleet Air Wing at Iwakuni Air Base in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Dowty Propellers’ R414 six-blade composite propeller system equips the US-2’s four Rolls-Royce AE2100 turboprop engines, and is designed specifically for the aircraft’s STOL (short take-off and landing) capability in high waves and swells.

The US-2’s capabilities as an effective search and rescue amphibian platform in rough conditions was validated by the Pacific Ocean rescue mission after a yacht had capsized.  In a Sea State 5 conditions with wave heights of approximately four meters, the US-2 from Atsugi Air Base landed and recovered the two persons who had evacuated to a life boat.

“Such sea conditions are the ultimate challenge for a propeller, and the US-2’s successful rescue operation this summer once again put our product to the test,” explained Oliver Towers, president of GE Aviation’s Dowty Propellers.  “We designed the R414 propeller system for high efficiency, with excellent resistance to bending force, erosion and fatigue, enabling the US-2 to achieve its STOL performance in the most difficult sea conditions.”

The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force has five US-2s, which have accumulated thousands of flight hours.

(Image provided by GE Aviation)

FMI: www.geaviation.com