"Could The US Realistically Use A Large Seaplane?" Topic

This article discusses possible use of a large Japanese produced seaplane by the US: link
While the article almost reads like a sales pitch, it has gotten me to wondering if the US could use a large seaplane as described in the article. Please read the article and offer your thoughts on this.

No

Hughes H2 anybody?

The US should get some just because they are cool. They can find actual uses for them later.

Sounds rather niche. And surely maritime reconnaissance like everything else will become increasingly drone-dominated? Though having said that it make a good drone mothership (no pun intended) since you can park up for a bit while your drones hoover up information which wouldn't be an option for a normal maritime aircraft.

Could have some uses … i.e. the planet is about 70% water …

+1 Stryderg

Sure, why not?

Perhaps we can get the plans for, or some surplus Caspian Sea Monsters at a deep discount.

+2 Stryderg.

The money is there … it just has to rechanneled. But those in charge have other priorities … That have little to nothing to do with defense of the USA.

Too vulnerable. Not sure of a role for it.

Ahum, So… who would fly it? Drum role please.

Well many things that fly, drive, walk crawl, etc., can be vulnerable if not used properly. However, again the top has other priorities for all the cash. Which generally has nothing to do with defending the nation, etc., IMO …

Bidens military budget is huge, bigger than former guy. It can't all be for woke training! Where do you think it's going? I feel like we have rarely gotten our money's worth i.e. Stories about over runs on equipment, especially in recent years. What needs to happen?

Huge?

IIRC, there was a 2% bump increase, which accounting for the current inflation, IS a NET reduction in funding, while numerous other programs get 20%, 30%, or 50%+ bumps in spending.

Perhaps if they'd promise to make our vehicles "green" and go electric/solar for everything the US military could get a REAL increase.

First though, we need to convince the Chinese, Russians, and NORKs/Iranians to install numerous charging stations along desired invasion avenues, and in the densities required to support this, as well as figuring out how to convince our enemies to agree to only fight future conflicts on sunny days.

Where do you think it's going?

Yes, that is a good question. And could the US budget be better used in more places than much of it is going? 'nuff said …

Sorry Thresher, I did say huge. I meant to say the world's largest. Again. Or maybe I am wrong.

And infrastructure spending is part of defense – bridges and roads, ports, Internet, are very handy for the economy and the military. It makes sense to stop killing the golden goose and fix this stuff.

EV development and thinking as you describe it is certainly not how the military looks at innovation possibilities here. And it's not where the big money goes.

Procurement boondoggles are a long time American tradition. Where is the leadership? We have been waiting for decades to have this mess cleaned up, IMO.

Where is the leadership?

Good question … Been wondering that for months.

More than months, you remember 100 dollar screwdrivers I'm sure. I will avoid political overtones here, but I think leadership was a crisis in every administration this century, despite some good general officers. We are good, but should have been far better.