Proposed American licence-manufacture of Japanese Shin Meiwa PS-1/US-1?

[Pioneer]

G'day gents!

Had a conversation with a old friend today, in which he stated that -
'A U.S. aviation manufacture proposed or negotiated to licence-manufacture the Japanese Shin Meiwa PS-1/US-1 Flying boat at one stage!'

Is this correct? And if so, does anyone know the timeframe?

Regards
Pioneer

 

[GTX]

Possibly Grumman since they did work together.