US-2 Search and Rescue Amphibian Plane

In this edition, we will take a closer look at US-2 Search and Rescue Amphibian Plane.

The US-2 Search and Rescue Amphibian Plane was developed as the successor to the US-1 Search and Rescue Amphibian Plane.

The US-2 incorporates improvements in weight reduction including in the main wings in addition to the adoption of fly-by-wire systems, cabin pressurization, high power engines and six compound wings. As a result of these improvements, such as enabling water landings where waves are up to 3-meter high, the US-2’s capabilities are significantly improved compared to the US-1’s.

The US-2 can apply its characteristic ability to make water landings on the ocean surface and conduct search and rescue operations over remote ocean areas that it would be seemingly too time-consuming to reach by boat and out of range for helicopters.

Specifications

• ▷Length: approx. 33.3m
• ▷Wingspan: approx. 33.2m
• ▷Height: approx. 9.8m
• ▷Occupants: 11 persons
• ▷Max speed: approx. 315kt
• ▷Max cruising range: approx. 2,500nm