The type was capable of numerous feats, such as being able to routinely land in seas with waves of up to in height. Water distance for takeoff or landing with aircraft weight was with no wind or into a 15-knot wind. Apart from the boundary layer control system, which was powered by an independent gas turbine housed within the fuselage, the aircraft had a number of other innovative features, including a system to suppress spray during water handling, and directing the propwash from the aircraft's four turboprop engines over its wings to create yet more lift.