Shin Meiwa flying boat

The Shin Meiwa flying boat, produced by the Japanese manufacturer ShinMaywa, is a unique amphibious aircraft that entered service in the early 1970s. Developed from the earlier AT-3 and AT-4 prototypes, the design culminated in the SH-3J Sea King‑derived SH-5, which first flew in 1969 and was certified in 1971. Its most distinctive feature is the large, double‑hull hull that provides excellent seaworthiness and allows operations in rough ocean conditions, while a high‑mounted turboprop engine on each wing delivers reliable power. The aircraft can carry up to 55 passengers or a substantial payload of cargo, fuel, and rescue equipment, and it is equipped with a rear loading ramp and a sophisticated radar and communications suite for maritime patrol, search‑and‑rescue, and anti‑submarine missions. Over the decades the SH‑5 has proven its durability, serving the Japan Maritime Self‑Defense Force and civilian operators such as the Japan Coast Guard. Its capability to land on water without dedicated runways has made it a vital asset for disaster relief and remote area access, cementing its place as a pioneering example of amphibious aviation. Its continued operational record and limited production numbers also underline its rarity and the specialized role it fulfills in modern naval aviation.