FLUG REVUE first flight gallery: ShinMaywa US-1A Kai

First Flight Gallery: ShinMaywa US-1A Kai

Read the original first flight press release:

Rolls-Royce Powers First Flight for US-1A Kai Seaplane

18 December 2003 - The Rolls-Royce powered US-1A Kai aircraft, manufactured by ShinMaywa of Japan, today successfully completed its first flight in Kobe, Japan. This latest version of ShinMaywa's seaplane family is powered by four Rolls-Royce AE 2100 turboprop engines. A CTS800-4K engine produced by LHTEC, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Honeywell, is also fitted to the aircraft to drive the boundary layer control system that provides the US-1A Kai with a short take-off and landing (STOL) capability.

The US-1A Kai is being developed by ShinMaywa to provide an enhanced search-and-rescue capability for Japan's Maritime Self Defense Force. The first flight marks the start of an intensive flight test program that will demonstrate the capability of the aircraft and its propulsion systems.

John Boughton, Director of Sales and Marketing - Rolls-Royce Defence & Aerospace, commented: "Rolls-Royce is proud to be associated with the unique US-1A Kai aircraft. The first flight is a key milestone for any aircraft development program and Rolls-Royce congratulates ShinMaywa on its achievement. The AE 2100 and CTS800 represent the latest technology available in the turboprop and turboshaft markets and their versatility is ably demonstrated in this new application."

The AE 2100 was developed to power the new generation of high-speed regional aircraft, military transports and long-range maritime patrol aircraft. Operators benefit from the 80 percent parts commonality among the AE common core engine family, which also includes the AE 3007 turbofan in the Embraer ERJ135/145 family and Cessna Citation X aircraft and the AE 1107C turboshaft in the Bell Boeing V-22 Osprey.

In addition to the US-1A Kai, the AE 2100 also powers the Lockheed Martin C-130Js of the US Air Force, Royal Air Force, Royal Australian Air Force, Italian Air Force, US Air National Guard, Air Force Reserve Command and US Marine Corps. In addition, C-130Js are being delivered to the US Coast Guard and are on order for the Royal Danish Air Force. The Italian Air Force and Greek Armed Forces have selected the Lockheed Martin/Alenia C-27J.

Rolls-Royce employs around 36,000 people, of which nearly 22,000 are in the UK. Forty per cent of its employees are based outside the UK - including nearly 5,000 in the rest of Europe and 8,000 in North America.

Annual sales total nearly $9 billion, of which over 50 per cent currently comes from aftermarket services. The order book stands at more than $25 billion, which, together with aftermarket demand, provides visibility as to future activity levels.

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Last updated 19 December 2003

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