The story
Japan's search-and-rescue amphibian lands on the open sea to pick people out of the water, in waves up to 3 metres (about 10 feet). It can fly that slowly thanks to a fifth engine: a turboshaft that drives a boundary-layer control system, blowing air over the wings and flaps so they keep lifting at speeds where another aircraft would stall. Fly-by-wire controls and a pressurised cabin set it apart from the US-1A it replaced. It flies for the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's 71st Air Squadron at Iwakuni, and six were in service in March 2025.
A loaded US-2 can lift off the water in about 280 metres (920 feet), roughly a quarter of the distance an airliner needs on a runway.
Quick answers
How do you identify a US-2?
A boat hull for a fuselage, a high wing with four turboprops, a float hanging under each wingtip and a T-tail. JMSDF US-2s wear dark navy over grey with a four-digit 99xx serial on the tail. Home is Iwakuni, with a detachment at Atsugi.
What does a US-2 sound like?
Four AE2100 turboprops, the C-130J's engine family, turning six-blade propellers: a deep, steady drone.
How fast is the US-2?
Top speed is 300 kts.
How many passengers does the US-2 carry?
Up to 20. A typical layout is 20 passengers or 12 stretchers.
How far can the US-2 fly?
Range is about 2,500 nmi.
How big is the US-2?
It is 109 ft 9 in long and 108 ft 9 in across the wings.
When did the US-2 first fly?
Its first flight was in 2003.
How many US-2s have been built?
9 built.
How rare is a US-2 in Bogey?
RARE. A good day. Most spotters go weeks between sightings of something this rare. Your first US-2 catch is worth 250 points.
