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| In January 1966 Shin Meiwa was awarded a contract to develop a new anti-submarine flying-boat for the JMSDF. Company designated SS-2, the flying-boat was also adapted for amphibious operation as the SS-2A. In the ASW configuration the SS-2 received the JMSDF designation PS-1, while as a search and rescue aircraft it was designated US-1.
The first PS-1 prototype flew on 5 October 1967. By March 1979 Shin Meiwa had delivered two prototypes and 22 production PS-1s to the JMSDF, serving with the 31st Air Group for ASW duties.
The first US-1 flew on 16 October 1974. A total of 12 US-1s were built by 1988.
In cooperation with the JMSDF and the National Fire Agency, Shin Meiwa converted the first PS-1 prototype into a water-bombing test-bed; it could deliver a total of 185 tonnes of water, picked up 70km from base, to a site 10km away, in 3 hours 36 minutes. The proposed production version could deliver 315 tonnes to a site the same distance from its base before needing to refuel.
| CREW | 5-10 |
| ENGINE | 4 x turbo-prop GE T-64, 2250kW |
| WEIGHTS |
| Take-off weight | 43000 kg | 94799 lb |
| Empty weight | 26300 kg | 57982 lb |
| DIMENSIONS |
| Wingspan | 33.1 m | 109 ft 7 in |
| Length | 33.5 m | 110 ft 11 in |
| Height | 9.7 m | 32 ft 10 in |
| Wing area | 135.8 m2 | 1461.74 sq ft |
| PERFORMANCE |
| Max. speed | 545 km/h | 339 mph |
| Ceiling | 9000 m | 29550 ft |
| Range | 4700 km | 2921 miles |
| Barry, 28.07.2011 18:32 The specification, as with other pages on this site is a little out in imperial measurements. The length and the wing span are both a foot out and the maximum loaded weight for the SS2 is 94,800lb and the SS2A (amphibian)is 99,200lb. THe US2 is capable of carrying 64 passengers. reply | | Steve, e-mail, 24.01.2011 20:41 I too remember watching them fly from MCAS Iwakuni back in 83-86...Monsters of the airway! reply |
| doubleD, 27.10.2010 17:28 These were still in use while I was stationed at MCAS Iwakuni back in 1993-94. reply | | Gary, e-mail, 20.09.2010 20:14 I was at Shin Meiwa from 1958 thru 1961 as the Military Supply Representative. Participated in developing the bill of materials in preparation for Interim Rework and Corrosion Control of the P5M. I left Westpac before this aircraft was delivered to JMSDF. reply | |
| | Gary, e-mail, 20.09.2010 20:13 I was at Shin Meiwa from 1958 thru 1961 as the Military Supply Representative. Participated in developing the bill of materials in preparation for Interim Rework and Corrosion Control of the P5M. I left Westpac before this aircraft was delivered to JMSDF. reply | | Gene Schenck, e-mail, 09.03.2010 05:19 Shin Meiwa Aircraft Company modified an Navy UF (HU-16) to start the PS-1 program. I at the time was in the Navy and was assigned to Shin Meiwa as a Military Rep. Shin Meiwa was overhauling and doing corrosion control on the P-5M.
Shin Meiwa had some great Engineers and Mechanics. reply | | Sam, e-mail, 23.03.2009 17:58 In 1984-85 I watched these planes take off and land in the sealanes at MCAS Iwakuni. They were graceful and a pleasure to watch. After landing they would water taxi to a ramp and move up onto land. reply | | Hiroyuki Takeuchi, 30.01.2009 04:39 Sorry I meant US-2 reply | | Hiroyuki Takeuchi, e-mail, 30.01.2009 04:37 A new version, PS-2 is now being built. The 3rd plane just took off a few days ago. It has more powerful engines, pressurized cabin, and better equipment. Looks very good in dark blue camouflage.
www.shinmaywa.co.jp /news /p_news2008_1216.htm reply | | Paul, e-mail, 17.10.2008 09:52 Say one takeoff at NAF Atsugi this am. Still here in Japan JMSDF service 17 Oct 08 reply | | Mick, e-mail, 30.09.2008 06:07 I wonder if any of these boats are still operational! Always liked the design. Love to see how it performs as a Water Bomber! reply |
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