BRENDAN SOBIE / SINGAPORE
Ground trials of search and rescue aircraft nearly complete and service entry due in 2006
ShinMaywa Industries is preparing to fly the first upgraded US-1A Kai search and rescue amphibian next month, having nearly completed the ground trials required before starting the flight test programme.
The first of the new type was rolled out of ShinMaywa's factory in Kobe outside Osaka in April. Japanese industry officials say ground tests with the US-1A Kai's four Rolls-Royce AE2100J turboprop engines running will be completed by the end of this month. ShinMaywa and the Japanese Defence Agency (JDA) are aiming for an August first flight.
JDA is waiting for the first flight to complete a contract for the initial batch of aircraft. JDA is expected to ultimately procure 14 new US-1A Kais, but at a slow pace that could extend the acquisition past 2020. The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) plans in 2004 to begin retiring its fleet of seven US-1As, powered by General Electric T64-10J turboprops.
The modernised US-1A Kai also features an upgraded boundary layer control system that has been tested by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries. The system improves the airflow over the wing, reducing the stalling speed and enabling the aircraft to land at lower speeds. The new aircraft also is equipped with a glass cockpit, new flight control system and a modified wing.
ShinMaywa plans to test fly the first production US-1A Kai for 100h before handing it over to the JMSDF in March next year. The JMSDF will then kick off its own flight-test programme from the joint Japanese/US Marine Corps air station at Iwakuni. Entry into service is set for second quarter 2006.
A second production aircraft is scheduled to be completed in the third quarter of this year and fly in March next year. ShinMaywa plans to test fly this aircraft until August 2004 before delivery to the JMSDF.
Two additional airframes have been manufactured for static and fatigue testing. Static testing began in 2001 at JDA's Technical Research and Development Institute. Fatigue testing will begin in October.
Source: Flight International
