Kawanishi H8K (Emily)

History

Imperial Japan appears to be producing the best aircraft designs of the war until the end of the conflict. The Kawanishi H8K (Allied codename "Emily") is one such example. The H8K was developed as a new specification in 1938 in order to control the similar but far superior Kawasaki H6K already in service.

The resulting design proved to be one of the most feared and respected Japanese weapons in the Pacific. If you think of it as a bulky airship, you ignore the impressive artillery armament, great range, good performance and enough offensive firepower that even American submarines are at Emily's mercy under.

The shortcomings of the H6K model are now so well known that Sichuan West set out to correct the mistake and include the H6K5 in the production line. Unfortunately, the H6K's ship has set sail, and the H8K is being built for new demands. However, the H8K is notable for its sturdy fuselage and single vertical tail.

The cockpit is located directly in front of the shoulder-mounted wing assembly, which houses four Mitsubishi-branded 1,850 hp (H8K2) engines. As a land-based operator, the H8K can rely on smaller wheels, and the underwing pontoons work well on the water.

Initially, the H8K was found to underperform in the latter role, but attempts at maintenance eventually eliminated those shortcomings and created the H8K legend.

Airships are not the weapon you think of when considering the best offensive options available in a war, but the H8K changes that. Defensive armament initially consisted of 4 x 7.7mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm cannons. Later developments resulted in the 4x7.7mm and 5x20mm firearm derivatives in the H8K2 model.

Add to that improved armor protection, impressive speed and range, and the ability to fire torpedoes or bombs, and you have a recipe for a real winner. When used in conjunction with anti-submarine radar, the H8K was particularly effective in anti-submarine warfare, finding and sinking several U.S. submarines in the course of its combat.

Like the H6K before it, the H8K also appears in a dedicated transport role for VIP personnel or combat readiness units. In terms of troop transport, the H8K can support up to 64 soldiers. These types are marked with an "L" in the name. Only four aircraft survived to the end of the war.

Specification

Basic

Production

Roles

Dimensions

Weight

Performance

Performance

Armor

Changes