ShinMaywa
PS-1
The ShinMaywa PS‑1 is a Japanese maritime patrol and anti‑submarine warfare aircraft that entered service in the early 1970s. Developed by ShinMaywa Industries in collaboration with the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force, the PS‑1 was based on the earlier ShinMeiwa UF‑10 flying boat, incorporating a larger hull, more powerful turboprop engines and advanced sensors. Its first flight took place on 11 May 1969, and after extensive testing it was officially introduced in 1973, remaining operational for over three decades.
Key features include a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to eight crew members, a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑67R turboprops driving four‑blade propellers, and a sophisticated suite of sonar, radar and magnetic anomaly detectors for submarine hunting. The hull’s stepped design provides excellent water‑handling, allowing the PS‑1 to take off and land on both sea and rough coastal waters. Its endurance of more than 12 hours made it ideal for extended patrol missions.
The PS‑1’s significance lies in proving the viability of modern amphibious patrol aircraft at a time when land‑based platforms dominated. It set a benchmark for maritime surveillance and contributed to Japan’s self‑reliant defense strategy, influencing later designs such as the ShinMaywa US‑2.
Key features include a spacious cabin capable of carrying up to eight crew members, a pair of Pratt & Whitney Canada PT6A‑67R turboprops driving four‑blade propellers, and a sophisticated suite of sonar, radar and magnetic anomaly detectors for submarine hunting. The hull’s stepped design provides excellent water‑handling, allowing the PS‑1 to take off and land on both sea and rough coastal waters. Its endurance of more than 12 hours made it ideal for extended patrol missions.
The PS‑1’s significance lies in proving the viability of modern amphibious patrol aircraft at a time when land‑based platforms dominated. It set a benchmark for maritime surveillance and contributed to Japan’s self‑reliant defense strategy, influencing later designs such as the ShinMaywa US‑2.
Classification
Production & History
- Units Produced
- 43
- First Flight
- 1967
Design & Classification
- Manufacturer
- ShinMaywa
- Military Designation
- PS-1
- Operator
-
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
- Wikidata ID
- Q1701483