Page 21 - AAA March / April 2024 Digital Magazine | GBP

Spanning nearly for the development of water This enhanced speed and effi-
1300 kilometres, this bases for amphibious aircraft. ciency are particularly crucial in
These strategically positioned
emergencies, such as medical
journey poses many bases can serve as hubs for evacuations and disaster relief
challenges that could transporting essential goods operations, where timely inter-
be easily overcome and providing critical services vention can mean the difference
to communities in remote and
between life and death.
with the introduction underserved regions.
of flight routes served There has been a valid concern
by medium to large- Despite the undeniable advan- raised regarding the operational
sized multi-engined tages of amphibious aviation, challenges faced by amphibious
some national aviation observers aircraft when operating on and
amphibious aircraft. remain hesitant, citing concerns off water surfaces, particularly

Similarly, flights to and from Raja over higher production and if wave heights exceed 1 meter.
Ampat, situated approximately maintenance costs, reduced Additionally, they often require
623 kilometres West of Frans loading capacity, and other longer take-off and landing runs
Kaisiepo Airport on Biak Island, reasons. However, such argu- due to hydrodynamic drag on
stand to benefit immensely from ments fail to account for the their floats or hulls. However, it’s
the convenience and efficiency unique advantages offered by crucial to note that technological
offered by amphibious aircraft amphibious aircraft, including advancements have effectively
operations. unparalleled flexibility, safety, addressed these limitations.
and efficiency.
Raja Ampat serves as just one Consider the ShinMaywa
example of the transformative Amphibious aircraft boast US-2, a prime example of such
potential of amphibious aviation unmatched flexibility, capa- progress. This four-engined
in unlocking the full potential of ble of seamlessly transitioning turboprop amphibious aircraft
Indonesia’s tourism industry. between land and water plat- incorporates a fifth engine - a
Many of the archipelago’s rich forms. This inherent versatility turboshaft - to aid in take-off
natural beauty, which includes enables them to access remote and landing by deploying blown
beautiful beaches, colourful coral and inaccessible locations, flaps. Coupled with its high-lift
reefs, diverse marine life, and so bridging the gap in connectivity wing design, this innovative
on, remains largely hard to reach and enhancing accessibility for technology grants the aircraft
for tourists due to limited trans- communities across Indonesia. a STOL (Short Take Off and
portation options. By embracing Moreover, their ability to exe- Landing) capability on water. In
amphibious aviation, Indonesia cute emergency water landings fact, it requires only 330 meters
can open up these remote desti- in case of engine failure during for landing and a mere 280
nations to travellers from around overwater flights underscores meters for take-off under load,
the world, fostering sustainable their reliability and resilience in even in wave heights of up to 3
tourism and economic growth in challenging environments. meters.
the process.
In terms of speed and Needless to say, if the water’s
Moreover, the potential of efficiency, amphibi- surface is too rough for even
amphibious aviation extends the US-2, it still has its built-in
beyond tourism, encompassing ous aircraft outshine landing gears to enable it to land
various sectors such as regular conventional vessels, and take off from conventional
public transportation, emergency offering a faster and airstrips.
response, as well as national
defence and security. Remote more reliable mode Another factor that is often cited
areas within Indonesia’s large of transportation for as the downside of amphibious
islands, often located near lakes passengers and cargo aircraft development, production,
or rivers, present ideal locations
alike. and widespread adoption is cost.
ASIAN AIRLINES & AEROSPACE MARCH - APRIL 2024 | 21