US-2

The ShinMaywa US-2 is a large Japanese short takeoff and landing turboprop amphibious aircraft that employs boundary layer control technology for enhanced STOL and stall suppression performance. Manufactured by seaplane specialist ShinMaywa (formerly Shin Meiwa), it was developed from the earlier Shin Meiwa US-1A seaplane, which was introduced in the 1970s. The ShinMaywa US-2 was developed on behalf of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) as a 'like-for-like' replacement for its aging US-1A fleet. In Japanese service, it is operated in the air-sea rescue (ASR) role. The US-2 can also be used in other capacities, such as an aerial fire fighter, carrying 15 tonnes of water for this mission. Overseas operators have held discussions on potential acquisitions of the type, including the Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard. Countries such as the United States, Indonesia, Thailand, and Greece have also shown interest in the US-2 for various purposes.

Summary from Wikipedia, photo via Wikimedia Commons, licensed under CC BY-SA.