Soldier: Created ShinMaywa US-2|Seaplane Mark 2 (US-2)

2023-09-10T12:40:48Z

Created ShinMaywa US-2|Seaplane Mark 2 (US-2)

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{{short description|Search and rescue flying boat}}

{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
|name = US-2
|image = File:ShinMaywa US-2 at Atsugi.jpg
|caption = ShinMaywa US-2
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = Air-sea rescue amphibian
|manufacturer = [[ShinMaywa]]
|designer = 
|first flight = 18 December 2003
|introduction = 30 March 2007
|retired =
|status = In production
|primary user = [[Japan Maritime Self Defense Force]]
|produced = 2003–present
|number built = 8 (1 expected)
|unit cost =
|developed from = [[Shin Meiwa US-1A]]
|variants with their own articles =
}}
|}

The '''ShinMaywa US-2''' is a large Japanese [[STOL|short takeoff and landing]] [[amphibious aircraft]] that employs [[boundary layer control]] technology for enhanced STOL and [[Stall (fluid dynamics)|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 during 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.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_fire.html |title = Fire Fighting |publisher = ShinMaywa |accessdate = 18 August 2018 |archive-date = 29 January 2018 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180129004456/http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_fire.html |url-status = dead }}</ref> Various overseas operators have held discussions on potential acquisitions of the type, including the [[Indian Navy]] and [[Indian Coast Guard]]. Other countries such as the [[United States]], [[Indonesia]], [[Thailand]], and [[Greece]] have also shown interest in the US-2 for various purposes.

==Design and development==
During 1969, the [[Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force]] (JMSDF) issued a production order to Japanese seaplane manufacturer [[ShinMaywa|Shin Meiwa]] for a group of 21 [[anti-submarine warfare|anti-submarine]] aircraft, which were given the designation [[Shin Meiwa US-1A|PS-1]].<ref name = "theweek"/> The service had also opted to procure a variant of the type, designated [[Shin Meiwa US-1A|US-1A]], specifically for [[search-and-rescue]] (SAR). The US-1A was Japan's first [[Amphibious aircraft|amphibian]] - capable of being used on land and sea.<ref name = "theweek"/>

During the 1990s when the US-1A fleet was beginning to show its age, the JMSDF attempted to obtain funding towards acquiring a replacement, but could not secure enough to develop an entirely new aircraft. Therefore, during 1995, ShinMaywa, as Shin Meiwa had been renamed (reportedly so that the name would be easier to pronounce for non-Japanese speakers<ref name = "theweek"/>) commenced work on a project to develop an upgraded and modernised version of the US-1A, initially referred to as the '''US-1A ''kai''''' (US-1A 改 - meaning "improved US-1A"). This modified aircraft features numerous aerodynamic refinements over its predecessor, along with a pressurised hull, and the adoption of more powerful [[Rolls-Royce AE 2100]] engines and electronic cockpit instrumentation.<ref name = "theweek"/><ref name = "maidenflight fi"/> The JMSDF also listed various refinements for the amphibian, including improved handling while landing on water, better onboard patient transfer facilities, and improved search-and-rescue capabilities at sea.<ref name = "theweek">Simpson, James. [https://theweek.com/articles/575407/japans-defense-industry-super-excited-about-amphibious-plane "Japan's defense industry is super excited about this amphibious plane."] ''The Week'', 10 September 2015.</ref>

On 18 December 2003, flight testing of the type, which was subsequently designated as the US-2, commenced.<ref name = "maidenflight fi">{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/shinmaywa-flies-kai/52225.article |title = ShinMaywa flies Kai |publisher = Flight International |first = Nicholas |last = Ionides |date = 23 December 2003}}</ref> During early 2007, ShinMaywa formally launched commercial production of the amphibian.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/news/p_news2007_0419.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090126024044/http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/news/p_news2007_0419.htm |url-status = dead |archive-date = 2009-01-26 |title = ShinMaywa launches commercial production of US-2 STOL Search and Rescue Amphibians |publisher = ShinMaywa |date = 2007}}</ref> Production is handled by several of Japan's aviation companies. [[Mitsubishi]] manufactures the outer wing sections and the rear part of the engine nacelles, while [[NIPPI Corporation]] builds the watertight landing gear housings, and [[Kawasaki Heavy Industries]] produces the cockpit. Final assembly is performed by ShinMaywa around the US-2's [[Fuselage|hull]]. The production line only has the capacity to produce two aircraft at a time.<ref name = "theweek"/> During 2009, the first production US-2, which was outfitted for the search and rescue mission, was delivered to the Japan's Ministry of Defense.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/news/p_news2009_0219.htm |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110722095218/http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/news/p_news2009_0219.htm |url-status = dead |archive-date = 2011-07-22 |title = ShinMaywa delivers first production type of "US-2" STOL Search and Rescue Amphibians to Japan's Ministry of Defense |publisher = ShinMaywa |date = 2009}}</ref>

In 2010, ShinMaywa unveiled specifications for a civil fire-fighting variant of its US-2 amphibian. It began marketing the new variant to potential overseas customers that same year. The fire-fighting model replaces one fuel tank with a 15 tonne water tank, reducing its maximum range to 2,300 km (1,245 nm) compared with the SAR's 4,700 km range. The tank is durable enough for salt water, foam and [[fire retardant]]. Other features include a pair of water scoops for collecting water, automatic foam mixing equipment and a computer-controlled water drop system.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/japans-shinmaywa-floats-fire-fighting-us-2-amphibian/93503.article |title = Japan's ShinMaywa floats fire-fighting US-2 amphibian |publisher = Flight International |first = Leithen |last = Francis |date = 13 May 2010}}</ref>

==Operational history==
===Japan===
[[File:US-2 9903.JPG|thumb|right|ShinMeiwa US-2 search and rescue amphibian]]
The JMSDF intends to purchase up to 14 US-2s for its search and rescue needs. The type is currently operated by the 31st Fleet Air Wing (71st Air Force, 71st Flight Squadron) of the JMSDF from both [[Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni|Iwakuni Air Base]] and [[Naval Air Facility Atsugi|Atsugi Air Base]].<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/iwakuni/ht/unit/h24/71fs241114.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20130129064241/http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/iwakuni/ht/unit/h24/71fs241114.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 29 January 2013 |title = 71st Flight Squadron (in Japanese) JMSDF Iwakuni air base |publisher = mod.go.jp |accessdate = 27 March 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/atsugi/butai/71fs.html |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20100119034416/http://www.mod.go.jp/msdf/atsugi/butai/71fs.html |url-status = dead |archive-date = 19 January 2010 |title = 71st Flight Squadron (in Japanese) JMSDF Atsugi air base |publisher = mod.go.jp |accessdate = 27 March 2020}}</ref> The introduction of the US-2 has enabled the withdrawal of the US-1A, the last of which performed its final flight during December 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://defpost.com/japanese-navy-retires-last-us-1a-sar-amphibious-aircraft/ |title = Japanese Navy retires last US-1A SAR amphibious aircraft |publisher = defpost.com |date = 16 December 2017 |first = Arun |last = Mathew}}</ref>

During April 2015, aircraft 9905 was involved in an accident.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/shinmaywa-us-2-involved-in-major-accident-at-sea-411696/ |title = ShinMaywa US-2 involved in major accident at sea |date = 29 April 2015 |publisher = Flight International |accessdate = 9 December 2016}}</ref> The aircraft was on a training mission near [[Cape Ashizuri]] in [[Shikoku]] and four crew members were injured.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://aviation-safety.net/database/record.php?id=20150428-1 |title= Aircraft accident ShinMaywa US-2 9905 |publisher = Aircraft Safety Network |accessdate = 9 December 2016}}</ref> By November 2018, a total of six US-2s had been delivered while a further two aircraft were under production.<ref>{{cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |title=JAPAN AEROSPACE: Shinmaywa stays after India US-2 deal |publisher=FlightGlobal.com |date=28 November 2018 |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/japan-aerospace-shinmaywa-stays-after-india-us-2-d-453978/ |accessdate=9 December 2018}}</ref>

===Export opportunities===
Since the early 2010s, the [[Indian Navy]] has an established requirement for between 12 and 18 US-2 amphibians configured as search and rescue aircraft at an anticipated cost of US$1.65 billion. The [[Indian Coast Guard]] has also shown interest in procuring three aircraft for its own purposes.<ref name = "ain indonesia2016"/> It is expected that, if procured, several of these amphibians would be stationed in the [[Andaman and Nicobar Islands]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ndtv.com/article/india/for-first-time-since-world-war-2-japan-will-sell-military-equipment-to-india-585231 |title=For First Time Since World War 2, Japan Will Sell Military Equipment to India |work=NDTV |accessdate=26 December 2014}}</ref><ref name= Flightglobalchandra>{{cite web |last = Chandra |first =Atul |title= India looks to acquire 18 ShinMaywa US-2 amphibians |url= http://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/india-looks-to-acquire-18-shinmaywa-us-2-amphibians-403341/ |website= Flightglobal |publisher= Reed Business Information |accessdate=21 March 2015 |location= Bangalore |date= 4 September 2014}}</ref> Indian authorities have reportedly been keen to have the US-2 assembled in India via a [[licensed production|licensing arrangement]]. Performing final assembly of the aircraft locally is expected to cost 25% less than in Japan.<ref name = "ain indonesia2016"/> Negotiations between the two nations commenced during 2011.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://thediplomat.com/2015/11/japan-india-maritime-surveillance-aircraft-deal-may-come-before-the-new-year/ |title = Japan-India Maritime Surveillance Aircraft Deal May Come Before the New Year |publisher = [[The Diplomat]] |first = Ankit |last = Panda |date = 30 November 2015}}</ref>

The process of finalising purchase arrangements for the aircraft, which would represent the first sale of military equipment by Japan to India since the [[World War II|Second World War]], have been protracted.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://thediplomat.com/2016/03/is-the-japan-india-military-aircraft-deal-dead/ |title = Is the Japan-India Military Aircraft Deal Dead? |publisher = The Diplomat |date = 5 March 2016 |first = Franz-Stefan |last = Gady}}</ref><ref name="fgus2">{{cite web |last=Waldron |first=Greg |title= JAPAN AEROSPACE: India US-2 deal sees no progress |website=Flightglobal |url=https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/japan-aerospace-india-us-2-deal-sees-no-progress-430292/ |date=12 October 2016 |accessdate=15 October 2016}}</ref> During October 2016, ShinMaywa announced that it had reduced the offered price to around US$113 million per aircraft.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.defensenews.com/articles/india-resolves-us-2-aircraft-price-issue-with-japan |title=India Resolves US-2 Aircraft Price Issue With Japan |last1=Raghuvanshi |first1=Vivek |date=20 October 2016 |website=www.defensenews.com |publisher=Sightline Media Group |accessdate=20 October 2016}}</ref> At one point, there were expectations that Japan and India would be signing a contract for the US-2 purchase during November 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/06/national/japan-india-likely-ink-pivotal-us-2-aircraft-deal/ |title = Japan, India likely to ink pivotal US-2 aircraft deal |date = 6 November 2016 |publisher = [[Japan Times]] |accessdate = 28 November 2016 |archive-date = 14 September 2017 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20170914125024/https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/11/06/national/japan-india-likely-ink-pivotal-us-2-aircraft-deal/ |url-status = dead }}</ref> The decision was deferred by Indian defence minister [[Manohar Parrikar]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://indiatoday.intoday.in/story/defence-minister-manohar-parrikar-defers-rs-10-000-crore-deal-12-japanese-aircraft/1/807024.html |title = Defence minister Manohar Parrikar defers Rs 10,000 crore deal for 12 Japanese aircraft |date = 10 November 2016 |publisher = [[India Today]] |accessdate = 28 November 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.dailypioneer.com/nation/govt-oks-new-blacklisting-policy-rs-80k-cr-def-deals.html |title = Govt OK'S New Blacklisting Policy, RS 80K-CR Def Deals |date = 8 November 2016 |publisher = The Pioneer |accessdate = 28 November 2016}}</ref> During March 2018, Japanese ambassador to India Kenji Hiramatsu informed ''[[The Hindu]] [[Business Line]]'' that talks between the two nations were still in progress.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/india-must-provide-high-quality-products-to-meet-japan-consumers-expectations-envoy/article23313018.ece |title=India must provide high-quality products to meet Japan consumers' expectations: Envoy |last1=Basu |first1=Nayanima |date=21 March 2018 |website=www.thehindubusinessline.com |accessdate=28 March 2018}}</ref> During April 2018, ShinMaywa signed a memorandum of understanding with Indian conglomerate [[Mahindra Group]] in support of future Indian sales.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.flightglobal.com/fixed-wing/shinmaywa-joins-with-mahindra-for-us-2-support/127746.article |title = Shinmaywa joins with Mahindra for US-2 support |publisher = Flight International |date = 13 April 2018}}</ref> As of 2021, further negotiations were stopped due to disagreement on pricing.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/14512775 | title=Despite defense buildup, Japan's arms industry struggles | the Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis }}</ref>

Another prospective customer is [[Indonesia]], which has been reportedly concerned by a growing Chinese military presence across the islands of the [[South China Sea]].<ref>{{cite web |url = http://www.janes.com/article/65215/indo-defence-2016-shinmaywa-inches-towards-us-2-sale-to-indonesia |title = Indo Defence 2016: ShinMaywa inches towards US-2 sale to Indonesia |date = 4 November 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220075116/http://www.janes.com/article/65215/indo-defence-2016-shinmaywa-inches-towards-us-2-sale-to-indonesia |archive-date= 20 December 2016 |publisher = [[Jane's]]}}</ref> It has been speculated that Indonesia could be a key partner in the production of the US-2, potentially competing with India for workshare in the programme.<ref name = "ain indonesia2016">{{cite web |url = https://www.ainonline.com/aviation-news/defense/2016-01-06/indonesia-could-trump-india-japans-us-2-partner |title = Indonesia Could Trump India as Japan's US-2 Partner |publisher = Indonesia Could Trump India as Japan’s US-2 Partner |first = Neelam |last = Mathews |date = 6 January 2016}}</ref> Reportedly, without implementing outsourced production, ShinMaywa is unlikely to be unable to promptly fulfil the needs of a third customer due to its limited production capacity.<ref name = "theweek"/> ShinMaywa was in talks at the time with PT Dirgantara.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.janes.com/article/65215/indo-defence-2016-shinmaywa-inches-towards-us-2-sale-to-indonesia | title=Indo Defence 2016: ShinMaywa inches towards US-2 sale to Indonesia | IHS Jane's 360 | access-date=2023-08-07 | archive-date=2016-11-07 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161107071337/http://www.janes.com/article/65215/indo-defence-2016-shinmaywa-inches-towards-us-2-sale-to-indonesia | url-status=bot: unknown }}</ref>

There have also been reports that [[Thailand]] is interested in purchasing a number of US-2s as [[maritime patrol aircraft]]. The nation is reportedly seeking to bolster its surveillance and [[anti-submarine warfare]] capabilities while developing deeper defense ties between itself and Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://thediplomat.com/2016/06/thailand-mulling-purchase-of-japanese-sub-hunting-aircraft/ |title = Thailand Mulling Purchase of Japanese Sub-Hunting Aircraft |date = 7 June 2016 |publisher = [[The Diplomat]] |first = Franz-Stefan |last = Gady |accessdate = 9 December 2016}}</ref>

Following a series of deadly fires in the [[Attica (region)|Attica region]] of [[Greece]] circa July 2018, the Greek government reportedly sought to order several US-2s to replace their aging firefighting fleet.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://asia.nikkei.com/Politics/International-Relations/Japan-looks-to-Greece-for-first-major-defense-export |title=Japan looks to Greece for first major defense export |website=Nikkei Asian Review |language=en-GB |access-date=29 July 2018}}</ref> If the sale is completed, it would be the first major defense procurement by Greece from a Japanese supplier.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://www.thenationalherald.com/209348/greece-wants-to-buy-amphibious-firefighting-planes-from-japan/ |title = Greece Wants to Buy Amphibious Firefighting Planes from Japan |publisher = The National Herald |date = 31 July 2019}}</ref>

==Operators==
;{{JPN}}
* [[Japan Maritime Self Defense Force]]

==Specifications (US-2)==
[[File:ShinMaywa US-2 20120929-06.JPG|thumb|Side view of the engines and wing of a US-2]]
[[File:Us-2 03l.jpg|thumb|A US-2 during takeoff]]
[[File:9904 Shin Meiwa US-2 JMSDF (7575441596).jpg|thumb|A JMSDF US-2 at [[Haneda Airport]]]]
{{Aircraft specs
|ref= ''ShinMaywa''<ref name=Shinmaywa>{{cite web| title=Performance of the State-of-the-Art US-2: US-2 Specifications | url=http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_capability.html| website= ShinMaywa | accessdate= 21 March 2015}}</ref><ref name=AI6926-30>{{cite journal |last =Lake |first =Jon |title=ShinMaywa's Innovative Amphibian |journal=Air International |date=November 2005 |volume=69 |issue=5 |pages=26–30 |issn=0306-5634}}</ref><ref name=shinbrochure>{{cite web |title=US-2: STOL Search and Rescue Amphibian |url=http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/news/pdf/09-02-19.pdf |publisher= ShinMaywa |accessdate= 21 March 2015}}</ref>
|prime units?= met

|genhide=

|crew= 11 (2 pilots, 1 search-and-rescue coordinator, 2 on-board maintenance personnel, 3 divers, 2 paramedics, and 1 sensor operator) <ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spf.org/oceans/analysis_en/c1404.html |title=US-2: The JMSDF Air-Sea Rescue Flying Boat |website=From the Oceans |language=en-GB |access-date=31 July 2020}}</ref>
|capacity= 20 passengers or 12 stretchers
|length m= 33.46
|length ft=
|length in=
|length note=
|span m= 33.15
|span ft=
|span in=
|span note=
|height m= 9.8
|height ft=
|height in=
|height note=
|wing area sqm= 135.8
|wing area sqft=
|wing area note=
|aspect ratio=
|airfoil=
|empty weight kg= 25630
|empty weight lb=
|empty weight note=
|gross weight kg= 55148
|gross weight lb=
|max takeoff weight kg= 47700
|max takeoff weight lb=
|max takeoff weight note= land take-off
|fuel capacity=
|more general=

|eng1 number= 4
|eng1 name= [[Rolls-Royce AE 2100]]J
|eng1 type= turboprop
|eng1 kw= 3424
|eng1 hp=
|eng1 shp=
|eng1 kn=
|eng1 lbf=
|eng1 note=
|power original=
|thrust original=
|eng1 kn-ab=
|eng1 lbf-ab=

|eng2 number= 1
|eng2 name= [[LHTEC T800]]
|eng2 type= turboshaft
|eng2 kw= 1017
|eng2 hp=
|eng2 shp=

|eng2 note= (compressor for [[boundary layer control]])

|prop blade number= 6
|prop name= [[Dowty Rotol|Dowty]] R414
|prop dia m=
|prop dia ft=
|prop dia in=
|prop dia note=

|perfhide=

|max speed kmh= 560
|max speed mph=
|max speed kts=
|max speed note=
|max speed mach=
|cruise speed kmh= 480
|cruise speed mph=
|cruise speed kts=
|cruise speed note= at {{convert|6000|m|abbr=on}}
|stall speed kmh= 90
|stall speed mph=
|stall speed kts=
|stall speed note=
|range km= 4700
|range miles=
|range nmi=2300
|range note=
|combat range km=
|combat range miles=
|combat range nmi=
|combat range note=
|ferry range km=
|ferry range miles=
|ferry range nmi=
|ferry range note=
|endurance=
|ceiling m= 7195
|ceiling ft=
|ceiling note=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ftmin=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude=
|sink rate note=
|lift to drag=
|wing loading kg/m2=
|wing loading lb/sqft=
|wing loading note=
|disk loading kg/m2=
|disk loading lb/sqft=
|disk loading note=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption lb/mi=
|power/mass=
|thrust/weight=
|more performance=* '''Takeoff distance on ground:''' {{convert|490|m|abbr=on}} at MTOW
* '''Landing distance on ground:''' {{convert|1500|m|abbr=on}} at MTOW
* '''Takeoff distance on water:''' {{convert|280|m|abbr=on}} at Loaded weight
* '''Landing distance on water:''' {{convert|330|m|abbr=on}} at Loaded weight

|armament=
|guns=
|bombs=
|rockets=
|missiles=
|hardpoints=
|hardpoint capacity=
|hardpoint rockets=
|hardpoint missiles=
|hardpoint bombs=
|hardpoint other=

|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
* [[ShinMaywa US-1A]]
|similar aircraft=
* [[AVIC AG600]]
|sequence=
|lists=
* [[List of military aircraft of Japan]]
* [[List of flying boats]]
|see also=
}}

==References==

=== Citations ===
{{Reflist}}


==External links==
{{commons category|ShinMaywa US-2}}
* [http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/index.html ShinMaywa US-2 site]
* [https://archive.today/20140929112726/http://www.mastconfex.com/enews.asp?issue=jun14/ MAST Asia 2015]
* [http://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/english/news/pdf/09-02-19.pdf US-2 Brochure]

{{Kawanishi aircraft}}
{{JSDF aircraft designations}}

[[Category:Shin Meiwa aircraft|US-2]]
[[Category:2000s Japanese military rescue aircraft]]
[[Category:Post–Cold War military equipment of Japan]]
[[Category:Flying boats]]
[[Category:Amphibious aircraft]]
[[Category:Aerial firefighting aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:High-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Four-engined turboprop aircraft]]
[[Category:STOL aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 2003]]
[[Category:T-tail aircraft]]

ShinMaywa US-2 - Revision history

Soldier: Created ShinMaywa US-2|Seaplane Mark 2 (US-2)