H8K2 of the 851 Kokutai 1944
H8K under attack by USN Aircraft 1944
H8K2 attempting to flee from PB4Y 1944
H8K2 left wing
Prototype of H8K1
US soldiers inspect wrecked H8K Emily on Makin 1944
H8K2 on the water
Wreckage of H8K2 on the beach at Butaritari Makin
H8K Emily Flying Boat Saipan 1944
H8K2 “801-77” of the 801 Kokutai
1st prototype of H8K1 after rebuild
H8K2 under attack by PB4Y-1 1944
Captured H8K2 Emily
H8K2 801-77 under fire from PB4Y of VPB-117
Captured Kawanishi H8K2 1945
Captured Kawanishi H8K2 2
H8K1 Emily
Captured H8K2
H8K 51-085 going down in Central Pacific, 2 July 1944.
H8K1 Shikishima of Takuma Kokutai with radar Type 6 Mark 4 Mod 3
H8K 801-77 under fire from PB4Y of VPB-117 2
The Kawanishi H8K Emily (二式大型飛行艇, Type 2 Large Flying Boat. 二式大艇, Nishiki Daitei, Nishiki Taitei) was an Imperial Japanese Navy flying boat used during World War II for maritime patrol and transport duties.
Design and Structure
Type: Four-engined Bomber-Reconnaissance flying-boat.
Wings:
- Configuration: High-wing cantilever monoplane with straight taper on both leading and trailing edges and dihedral from the roots.
- Structure: Made of metal with a metal covering, featuring high aspect ratio ailerons. There is no information provided on the presence of flaps.
Hull:
- Construction: All-metal deep two-step hull with a long nose and high bows. The central section is almost slab-sided, transitioning to an oval section aft. The aircraft is equipped with large strut-braced wing-tip floats.
Tail Unit:
- Type: High cantilever tailplane with slight taper on both leading and trailing edges. It includes a large single fin and balanced rudder.
Power Plant
- Engines: Four Mitsubishi Kasei 22 fourteen-cylinder radial air-cooled engines, each producing 1,825 hp.
- Propellers: Four-blade Hamilton type constant-speed airscrews.
- Fuel Tanks: Protected fuel tanks located in the wings.
Accommodation
- Crew: Accommodates ten to twelve crew members, with armor protection.
Armament
- Defensive Positions:
- Nose turret
- Dorsal turret
- Tail turret
- Beam gun positions
- Weapons: The armament includes both 20 mm cannon and 7.9 mm machine-guns.
Dimensions and Weights
Dimensions:
- Span: 124 ft. 7 in. (38 m)
- Length: 92 ft. 3 in. (28.1 m)
Weights:
- Empty Weight: 34,000 lbs. (15,440 kg)
- Loaded Weight: 68,000 lbs. (30,870 kg)
Performance
- Maximum Speed: 296 mph (472 km/h) at 19,680 ft (6,000 m)
- Cruising Speed: 172 mph (275 km/h)
- Climb to 20,000 ft (6,100 m): 20 minutes
- Service Ceiling: 28,000 ft (8,540 m)
- Maximum Range: 3,000 miles (4,800 km)
This aircraft is designed for long-range missions with significant offensive and defensive capabilities, suitable for maritime patrol, bombing, and reconnaissance tasks. Its design and features reflect a focus on durability and operational flexibility over long distances.