Kawanishi H6K

The H6K was developed by the Japanese Navy to meet the need for a high-performance flying boat. The Kawanishi H6K, nicknamed "Mavis" by the allies, was proposed to meet the specified requirements of 137 mph cruising speed and a 2,795 mile range. The aircraft had a parasol-wing configuration with a slender two-step hull. The first prototype was powered by four 840 hp Nakajima Hikari radial engines mounted at the wings leading edge. Early tests with the first prototype that was flown on July 14, 1936 revealed a need for hull modifications. After the changes were made, the aircraft was found to handle well, but the need for more power was still a problem. After three more prototypes, January of 1938 was the date that the Navy Type 97 Flying Boat Model 1 took to active service. 217 aircraft, of all versions, were eventually built. They were extensively used in the Sino-Japanese and Pacific war. Being extremely vulnerable to allied fighter aircraft, the H6K was assigned duties in areas where little or no allied air activity was present. They remained in service until the end of the war.

Variants
H6K1 -    Designation of the three prototypes following the installation 1000 hp Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 engines.
H6K2 -    Initial production version; similar to the initial version except for some minor equipment changes.
H6K3 -    Designation of two H6K2's that were developed for VIP transport.
H6K4 -    Major production version with increased fuel capacity, revised armament and, from August of 1941, was
              equipped with 1,070 hp Kinsei 46 engines.
H6K2-L - Unarmed transport version. Basically an early version of the H6K4. Japan Airlines used 18 of these
              aircraft that were equipped to handle up to 18 passengers.
H6K4-L   Unarmed transport version, like the H6K2-L but with Kinsei 46 engines and more windows in the cabin
              area.
H6K5 -    Final production version with Kinsei 51 or 53 engines and revised armament.

Kazunori Ito is the maker of this fine looking add on. The exterior of the aircraft is very detailed, and artfully done. Excellent aircraft for screenshots! It comes in two flavors, civilian and military. Both liveries are excellent! The sounds are good. Inside the cockpit, the 2D panel has the "war weary and worn" look, but is quite still readable. On the panel itself, I found that the radio stack, which is in the shape of a gauge, is digital, and easily read, and the flaps are controlled with a switch located on the panel. Other basic flight instruments function normally. "Shift 2" will bring up a small autopilot box that can be enlarged and moved about, and "Shift 3" will bring up a Garmin GPS. There is no Virtual Cockpit. Flight dynamics are that of a big, heavy aircraft. It is easily maneuverable though, and is fun to land on bodies of water. Oh, by the way, since the original aircraft had no landing gear, neither does this model! Start out at a known sea/float plane facility or slew over to some water for your take off.

Kazunori Ito has done an excellent job with this aircraft model. It looks fantastic, with quite a bit of detail. I'm going to give this aircraft a four plane rating, heavily leaning towards the great looks of this aircraft. I'd recommend this one for you to tie up at your dock. Thanks for your contribution to the "virtual skies"!