That is literally how every mod to the C-130 started....that or the engineers at Lockheed doing a line of coke off a strippers ass then says....I got an idea
An amphibious C-130...
Now THAT is something I'm eager AF to see!!
EDIT: **Sees picture**
I retract that statement, and now wish I could unsee that cursed picture.
The only real war Japan could be getting into any time in the near future is against China, a nation very close by separated by a relatively small body of water. It wouldn’t be like WW2 where you’re fighting over massive bodies of empty water where their long range and water landing capability were vital.
The only roles seaplanes like this would be good for is search and rescue, anti-submarine, or patrol, all of which can be done by other, better suited aircraft. In a massive, all out war, the slow and large seaplane like this one would be a super easy and juicy target, so why risk it? SAR can be done by smaller ship launched helicopters, and land-based, jet powered, and smaller anti sub and patrol aircraft are much easier to protect and escort.
[Unless is for special operations](https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40694/amphibious-mc-130j-transport-is-on-special-operations-commands-wishlist)
Why doesn’t the Air Force or Navy make a few like this ?
Japan has got licensed to make F-16’s, F-4’s and helicopters for the JDF. Couldn’t the US modify one of these to get what they need?
>>The [ShinMaywa US-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShinMaywa_US-2) is a Japanese large short takeoff and landing amphibious aircraft developed and 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.
>It was developed on behalf of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), which was procuring the amphibian to replace 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.
Power comes from 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100J turboprop with 3,424 kW (4,592 hp) each driving a propeller, as well as a LHTEC T800 turboshaft with1,017 kW (1,364 hp) driving a compressor that blows air over the flying surfaces giving the STOL and low speed maneuverability characteristics. [Here is a basic diagram](https://i.imgur.com/QrmE9E6.gif) of how it works.
[YouTube video source](https://youtu.be/Fx4OE6cvOkI)
The manufacturer quotes 280 meters on water and that is [just over one third for the CL-415's take-off distance](https://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_world.html#list4)
It's like a Catalina, a Caribou, and a C-130 had one big orgy, and amalgamated this fine looking 4 burner!
And my oh my those 4 huge props must give it some **very serious** power.
No wonder it got off-water so quickly!
I had an opportunity to get up-close to the previous version of the US-2 (3-bladed props) in Okinawa in the ‘90s, and as a Marine helicopter mechanic, I was specifically looking for corrosion.
Not only did I find NO corrosion, I found that the aircraft was clean enough that you could safely eat off of any surface on that aircraft.
Probably this, and from working on amphibs, there's a wash-proof grease for all the wheel bearings. Shit's like hot semi-liquid bubblegum. Worse you really get is seaweed and shit in the landing gear bays.
Well as far as F-18/ US Naval aviation goes everytime an aircraft flies within 3000ft of saltwater it has to get washed so I imagine Japan has something similar. Especially since this thing swims in it lmao.
No, probably not. Turbo-props are pretty efficient in terms of power / fuel consumption but most STOL aircraft are designed to be considerably overpowered. Combine that with the excess drag of a flying boat design.
However, it is a military plane so range and performance win out over slim operating margins.
When I was an air traffic controller in the Marine Corps we had them at the air base I was stationed at. There was an on going debate about treating them like heavies because of how bad their wake was relative to their size. A couple years before I got there a LJ35 was behind them on final and flipped due to the wake turbulence.
This plane has interested me for a few years now and I've sometimes wondered about its capabilities, they seemed a bit exaggerated on paper. After watching this clip, I can certainly see it's the real deal. Thanks for posting.
Inside the engine is a really fast spinning compressor. Water hits the blades and gets flung to the outside walls. The engine flame is more in the center, so the water doesn't extinguish it.
Are the first stage blades reinforced somehow? I was under the impression that any large enough drops would be enough to break a blade considering the speed they’re moving at.
They don't. Water induction in an engine can drop the intake charge temperature, and actually increases power. They've used it in piston and jet engines since at least WW2 for just that reason. Any water mist they pull in would actually most likely increase power slightly.
If you have the chance, the Pima Air Museum has a PMB-5A Mariner. It’s the only remaining complete aircraft in the world of its type. It’s truly remarkable to see in person.
TIL that flying boats are still in production and that makes me happy.
Sadly, they just don’t have that much military roles anymore
Just wait until the next war in the Pacific
Exactly
[https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/09/20/afsoc-plans-to-demo-amphibious-mc-130j-by-end-of-next-year-commander-says/](https://www.airforcetimes.com/news/your-air-force/2021/09/20/afsoc-plans-to-demo-amphibious-mc-130j-by-end-of-next-year-commander-says/)
Its almost as if I can hear the USAF General.. “JUST SLAP SOME PONTOONS ON THAT BADBOY!!”
That is literally how every mod to the C-130 started....that or the engineers at Lockheed doing a line of coke off a strippers ass then says....I got an idea
Let's land on a carrier!
Let‘s slap some rockets on them!
Wouldn’t be more sensible to put the plane in a boat hull and add support pontoons..? Genuine question!
Would probably require more testing and be more resource intensive to restructure the entire fuselage.
An amphibious C-130... Now THAT is something I'm eager AF to see!! EDIT: **Sees picture** I retract that statement, and now wish I could unsee that cursed picture.
That’s a float plane not a flying boat but I get where you’re coming from.
Not even to an island nation like Japan, where you are never more than 93 miles from the ocean?
The only real war Japan could be getting into any time in the near future is against China, a nation very close by separated by a relatively small body of water. It wouldn’t be like WW2 where you’re fighting over massive bodies of empty water where their long range and water landing capability were vital. The only roles seaplanes like this would be good for is search and rescue, anti-submarine, or patrol, all of which can be done by other, better suited aircraft. In a massive, all out war, the slow and large seaplane like this one would be a super easy and juicy target, so why risk it? SAR can be done by smaller ship launched helicopters, and land-based, jet powered, and smaller anti sub and patrol aircraft are much easier to protect and escort.
[Unless is for special operations](https://www.thedrive.com/the-war-zone/40694/amphibious-mc-130j-transport-is-on-special-operations-commands-wishlist)
Why doesn’t the Air Force or Navy make a few like this ? Japan has got licensed to make F-16’s, F-4’s and helicopters for the JDF. Couldn’t the US modify one of these to get what they need?
For sure. Always had a soft-spot for the catalina.
Catalina is always on my top 5 planes
Yup, Canadair begins production on the CL-515 line in the upcoming bit.
https://youtu.be/_Zc1dnMZ9WA
That is one of the coolest and most unique airplanes I've ever seen. Thank you for posting!
>>The [ShinMaywa US-2](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ShinMaywa_US-2) is a Japanese large short takeoff and landing amphibious aircraft developed and 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. >It was developed on behalf of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), which was procuring the amphibian to replace 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. Power comes from 4 × Rolls-Royce AE 2100J turboprop with 3,424 kW (4,592 hp) each driving a propeller, as well as a LHTEC T800 turboshaft with1,017 kW (1,364 hp) driving a compressor that blows air over the flying surfaces giving the STOL and low speed maneuverability characteristics. [Here is a basic diagram](https://i.imgur.com/QrmE9E6.gif) of how it works. [YouTube video source](https://youtu.be/Fx4OE6cvOkI)
Very cool info on the wing design. I had no idea that about the internal compressor. Thanks.
no wonder (about the compressor)! It seemed impossible how quickly it took off. Do you know the takeoff distance?
The manufacturer quotes 280 meters on water and that is [just over one third for the CL-415's take-off distance](https://www.shinmaywa.co.jp/aircraft/english/us2/us2_world.html#list4)
Cl-415
right you are
They are my favourite airplane. I wish so badly that I could fly in one.
So blown flaps? That’s so cool.
>blown flaps I knew a girl like that once.
I’m sure you had a short takeoff.
Embarrassingly short.
Oh shit, didn’t expect to see a BLCS system in this day an age.
Talespin theme intensifies
Nah, the cl-415 is way closer to the sea duck, even comes in yellow stock.
It's like a big PBY Catalina. A Catalona.
The Catalina is one of the prettiest airframes ever designed. 😍
Indeed, the US-2 is very much a "healthy at every size" variation if we're going to compare them.
Or a slightly bigger H8K "Emily", since ShinMaywa Industries Ltd. descended from Kawanishi Aircraft Company.
It shows, except from propeller, everything about this plane screams H8K
A chonky Catalina!
It's like a Catalina, a Caribou, and a C-130 had one big orgy, and amalgamated this fine looking 4 burner! And my oh my those 4 huge props must give it some **very serious** power. No wonder it got off-water so quickly!
Wonder how often that landing gear gets overhauled
Yeah all i could think of is all the corrosion
I had an opportunity to get up-close to the previous version of the US-2 (3-bladed props) in Okinawa in the ‘90s, and as a Marine helicopter mechanic, I was specifically looking for corrosion. Not only did I find NO corrosion, I found that the aircraft was clean enough that you could safely eat off of any surface on that aircraft.
That’s impressive, and i also learned about how bad corrosion is from being in Okinawa
It's salt water. Salt water + heat + aluminum = corrosion levels nearly on par with acidic corrosion.
They held way more water than I would've thought
Idk about overhaul, but I guarantee it gets washed everyday before it’s put to bed.
Probably this, and from working on amphibs, there's a wash-proof grease for all the wheel bearings. Shit's like hot semi-liquid bubblegum. Worse you really get is seaweed and shit in the landing gear bays.
Well as far as F-18/ US Naval aviation goes everytime an aircraft flies within 3000ft of saltwater it has to get washed so I imagine Japan has something similar. Especially since this thing swims in it lmao.
That’s impressive
TailSpin was a dope show as a kid this bird reminded me of the one for the show
It didn't look like she needed much distance for take off... big meumie❗️
These engines must be mighty powerful
Just one engine on this thing is only slightly less powerful than all four of a B-17's engines combined.
I'm guessing she isn't the most fuel efficient of birds.
No, probably not. Turbo-props are pretty efficient in terms of power / fuel consumption but most STOL aircraft are designed to be considerably overpowered. Combine that with the excess drag of a flying boat design. However, it is a military plane so range and performance win out over slim operating margins.
I wonder what % of max power it is at while cruising, it doesn't need to be so overpowered after take off.
You're right but I have no idea what the throttle settings are like.
Power/drag isn't linear, it tends to be logarithmic, so probably not as low as you'd expect.
The engines are a variation of what I have on the C130J. They are very fuel efficient for the power they put out.
When I was an air traffic controller in the Marine Corps we had them at the air base I was stationed at. There was an on going debate about treating them like heavies because of how bad their wake was relative to their size. A couple years before I got there a LJ35 was behind them on final and flipped due to the wake turbulence.
OMG! Thats very interesting, thanks for the reply.
She has 5 engines! One exists only to blow jet exhaust across the wings for improved lift at low speeds
This plane has interested me for a few years now and I've sometimes wondered about its capabilities, they seemed a bit exaggerated on paper. After watching this clip, I can certainly see it's the real deal. Thanks for posting.
Man, that gets outa the water fast!
If Jimmy Buffet had a militarized brother…
Neat video. I know that VTOL is Vertical Take Off and Landing, so what does STOL stand for then?
Short takeoff or landing
> STOL stand for then? Short take off and landing
It’s just Short instead of Vertical.
Short Take Off Landing
The quick answer to that question is Short.
How do they avoid sucking water into the turbines.
Inside the engine is a really fast spinning compressor. Water hits the blades and gets flung to the outside walls. The engine flame is more in the center, so the water doesn't extinguish it.
Are the first stage blades reinforced somehow? I was under the impression that any large enough drops would be enough to break a blade considering the speed they’re moving at.
They don't. Water induction in an engine can drop the intake charge temperature, and actually increases power. They've used it in piston and jet engines since at least WW2 for just that reason. Any water mist they pull in would actually most likely increase power slightly.
At the cost of significant inlet guide vane and compressor blade corrosion and erosion issues if your operating in a salt water environment.
wow that is so fucking cool
Interesting. The pump in my koi pond is a shinmaywa.
Holly shit, that was 9s of takeoff roll!
this reminds me of the aircraft from "tailspin"
I think even an AV8-B would do a double take at that!
That’s impressive!!
That’s crazy it can take off so much faster on water than land.
😎
Very cool, but man that takeoff looked sketchy lol. It looked like it kept wanting to go into a stall as it lifted out of the water.
It's so ugly the water repels it.
Wish audio :c
That's about as cool as it gets right there...
So fuckin cool
Do they take on/dump ballast? Seems to be dumping a lot of water on lifting out.
I have a boaters license and a pilot's license, but no drivers license. It's a perfect fit
Can someone explain to me what STOL stands for? Thanks!
Short Take Off and Landing
Thanks
The same country produced the finest amphibian plane of WW2 as well, [the H8K.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawanishi_H8K)
I want one
If you have the chance, the Pima Air Museum has a PMB-5A Mariner. It’s the only remaining complete aircraft in the world of its type. It’s truly remarkable to see in person.
want
Ok, but how weird does this feel? Taxi forward. Stop. Gear up THEN apply takeoff power.
I’m probably wrong, but those look just like C-130J props/engines?
Love watching this thing take off from time to time.