The result was a large, shoulder-winged design that is widely regarded as the best flying boat of the war. Aircraft historian René Francillon called the H8K "the most outstanding water-based combat aircraft of the Second World War." Design and development Tail gunner position (without gun)Īt the same time the type's predecessor, the Kawanishi H6K, was entering service in 1938 the Navy ordered the development of a larger, longer-ranged patrol aircraft under the designation Navy Experimental 13- Shi Large-size Flying Boat. The robust H8K2 "Emily" flying boat was also fitted with powerful defensive armament, for which Allied pilots had substantial respect wherever this aircraft was encountered in the Pacific theater.
The prototype first flew in January 1941, and H8K1s made their first combat sortie in March 1942. The Kawanishi H8K was a large, four- engine aircraft designed for long range and extended endurance on patrols or bombing missions typically flown alone over the ocean.
The Allied reporting name for the type was " Emily". The Kawanishi H8K was a flying boat used by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service during World War II for maritime patrol duties.
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