Japanese amphibian manufacturer ShinMaywa Industries has started a sales drive for its proposed firefighting version of the US/PS-1 flying boat. Development of the upgraded US-1A Kai, based on the short take-off and landing US-1A search and rescue amphibian, started in 1996 and the prototype completed its first flight in December last year. ShinMaywa plans to complete its flight-test programme by 2007 and has a contract with the Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force for a four-aircraft initial order. A second prototype is expected to join the programme in the third quarter and Yokohama-based ShinMaywa now aims to attract customers in Asia-Pacific with a requirement to combat bush fires on remote islands.
Source: Flight International
