Difference between revisions of "H6K4"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=h6k4
 
|code=h6k4
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese bomber {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', designated as the '''Type 97 Large Flying Boat ({{Annotation|九七式大型飛行艇|Kyū Nana Shiki Ōgata Hikōtei}})''', was a Japanese flying boat that was used for maritime patrols and bombings during World War II. The aircraft was developed in 1934 based on the experiences of Kawanishi with the British Short Brothers flying boats. It had four engines, a twin tail, and a parasol wing with floats. It made its first flight in 1936 and entered service with the Japanese navy in 1938. It had an excellent range and could patrol for 24 hours. It was deployed in the war against China and later in the war in the Pacific, where it carried out attacks on Wake Island and Australia. The aircraft was vulnerable to the newer generation of Allied fighters and was gradually replaced by the Kawanishi H8K. A total of 215 units were built.
 +
 
 +
It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The H6K4 is a versatile hydroplane bomber that can attack bases and ships with its bombs and torpedoes. However, it is also very vulnerable due to its large size. It can only carry two 800 kg bombs (or torpedoes) at a time, which may not be enough to destroy a base. It can also cap bases in naval battles, but it should avoid close combat with enemy fighters and AA guns. Given its large size and slow speed, flying away from enemy pursuers will be a hard task, with multiple 7.7 mm machine guns across the plane dealing little damage, there is a singular deadly 20 mm directly in the tail, which will be the main means of shooting down enemies on this large boat's six.
 +
 
 +
;Nicknames
 +
 
 +
* IJN Pilot abbreviation: ''Kyū-Nana Taitei (九七(式)大艇, (Type) 97 Large Boat)'',
 +
* Allied reporting name: ''Mavis''
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
The H6K4 has decidedly bad flight performance given its large size. The aircraft has an abysmal top speed, meaning that it can be outrun by most ''biplanes'' at its battle rating. As well, the aircraft has lacklustre acceleration, and an almost-nonexistent climb rate. The aircraft's manoeuvrability is just as bad, given its massive size - turning and rolling are all rather difficult manoeuvres to perform. The aircraft can feel extremely sluggish (basically a brick with wings) when performing manoeuvres, even more so than conventional heavy bombers. The aircraft's camera angle in AB/RB is also extremely weird, as it looks downwards onto the aircraft. On the plus side, the aircraft has a slow stall speed, to permit its use as a hydroplane.
+
The H6K4 has decidedly bad flight performance given its large size. The aircraft has an abysmal top speed, meaning that it can be outrun by most biplanes at its battle rating. As well, the aircraft has lacklustre acceleration, and an almost-nonexistent climb rate. The aircraft's manoeuvrability is just as bad, given its massive size - turning and rolling are all rather difficult manoeuvres to perform. The aircraft can feel extremely sluggish (basically a brick with wings) when performing manoeuvres, even more so than conventional heavy bombers. The aircraft's camera angle in AB/RB is also extremely weird, as it looks downwards onto the aircraft. On the plus side, the aircraft has a slow stall speed, to permit its use as a hydroplane.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 320 || ~3 || ~2
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 498 || 469 || 320 || ~3 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
−
The H6K4 is an interesting aircraft to fly in air battles, given its massive size, decent defensive armament and ordnance load. The aircraft can be used as a conventional bomber in Air battles, delivering its large payload on bases. It can also be used in naval battles, with its large load of two torpedoes and the ability to cap bases. However, no matter what way you play this aircraft, be aware that it is ''huge''. The large size of the aircraft makes it an attractive target for fighters, SPAAs and naval AA guns alike.
+
The H6K4 is an interesting aircraft to fly in air battles, given its massive size, decent defensive armament and ordnance load. The aircraft can be used as a conventional bomber in Air battles, delivering its large payload on bases. It can also be used in naval battles, with its large load of two torpedoes and the ability to cap bases. However, no matter what way you play this aircraft, be aware that it is huge. The large size of the aircraft makes it an attractive target for fighters, SPAAs and naval AA guns alike.
  
−
The first possible playstyle for the H6K4 is that of a conventional bomber - the aircraft's large payload of 1,600 kg (2 x 800 kgs) allows it to destroy bases with ease. However, there are several limitations to this approach that should be considered. Firstly, the aircraft lacks landing gear (because it is a hydroplane), meaning that it is unable to land on conventional airfields. You can still try, but take care to land the aircraft slowly to avoid the risk of crashing. As well, the aircraft only carries two bombs max - this limits the number of bases, or targets, that you can hit. Depending on circumstance, a single bomb may not be enough to destroy a base - in that case, you will need to expend both bombs on a single base.
+
The first possible playstyle for the H6K4 is that of a conventional bomber - the aircraft's large payload of 1,600 kg (2 x 800 kg) allows it to destroy bases with ease. However, there are several limitations to this approach that should be considered. Firstly, the aircraft lacks landing gear (because it is a hydroplane), meaning that it is unable to land on conventional airfields. You can still try, but take care to land the aircraft slowly to avoid the risk of crashing. As well, the aircraft only carries two bombs max - this limits the number of bases, or targets, that you can hit. Depending on circumstance, a single bomb may not be enough to destroy a base - in that case, you will need to expend both bombs on a single base.
  
 
The second option for this aircraft would be in naval battles. The aircraft's large armament and floatplane abilities allow it to be used as a base-capper. The aircraft carries a pair of Type 91 torpedoes (Model 2 or 3) which are highly effective against any target up to destroyer-size. However, these torpedoes will be hard to aim against small targets such as MTBs, as smaller vessels are typically very manoeuvrable. Note that you may want to attack from afar when flying this aircraft - the aircraft is unarmoured, and any hits from ship-based AA guns may set your large plane on fire.
 
The second option for this aircraft would be in naval battles. The aircraft's large armament and floatplane abilities allow it to be used as a base-capper. The aircraft carries a pair of Type 91 torpedoes (Model 2 or 3) which are highly effective against any target up to destroyer-size. However, these torpedoes will be hard to aim against small targets such as MTBs, as smaller vessels are typically very manoeuvrable. Note that you may want to attack from afar when flying this aircraft - the aircraft is unarmoured, and any hits from ship-based AA guns may set your large plane on fire.
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*** Can capture points in Naval
 
*** Can capture points in Naval
 
** Decent combined defensive armament
 
** Decent combined defensive armament
−
** 2x [[Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)|Type 91 Aerial Torpedo]]
+
** 2 x [[Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)|Type 91 Aerial Torpedo]]
 
*** Torpedo has the highest drop speed in the game at {{Annotation|580 km/h|350 mph}} and is one of the most feared torpedoes in Naval Battles
 
*** Torpedo has the highest drop speed in the game at {{Annotation|580 km/h|350 mph}} and is one of the most feared torpedoes in Naval Battles
−
** 12x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60kg)]]
+
** 12 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60 kg)]]
−
*** Gets 2x bomb racks of 6 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets
+
*** Gets 2 x bomb racks of 6 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets
−
** 2x [[Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|No.80 Land Bomb (800kg)]]
+
** 2 x [[Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|No.80 Land Bomb (800 kg)]]
 
*** Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer
 
*** Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer
  
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<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
−
=== In-game description ===
+
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
A quad-engined all-metal parasol-wing monoplane flying boat. An experimental version, the Type S, made its first flight on July 14, 1936. The plane was approved by the Imperial Japanese Navy as Type 97 Large Flying Boat in 1937. Mass production began in 1938.
 
A quad-engined all-metal parasol-wing monoplane flying boat. An experimental version, the Type S, made its first flight on July 14, 1936. The plane was approved by the Imperial Japanese Navy as Type 97 Large Flying Boat in 1937. Mass production began in 1938.
  
−
The most common variant was model 22 (H6K4), created in 1940. The first 119 planes were fitted with a air-cooled 14-cylinder twin-row radial Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 engine (1000 hp). Afterwards, the slightly more powerful Kinsei 46 was used. The H6K4 carried more fuel than earlier models, increasing its maximum range to 25 hours, or 6000 kilometers. Its fuselage included waist blisters fitted with machine guns, which required a slightly longer tail section.
+
The most common variant was model 22 (H6K4), created in 1940. The first 119 planes were fitted with a air-cooled 14-cylinder twin-row radial Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 engine (1,000 hp). Afterwards, the slightly more powerful Kinsei 46 was used. The H6K4 carried more fuel than earlier models, increasing its maximum range to 25 hours, or 6,000 km. Its fuselage included waist blisters fitted with machine guns, which required a slightly longer tail section.
  
−
The H6K4 was armed with four 7.7mm Type 97 (Lewis) machine guns with 582 rounds apiece and, in the tail turret, one 20mm Type 99-I cannon with 432 rounds. The flying boat could carry twelve 60-kg bombs, four 250-kg bombs, or two 800-kg Type 91 Model 1 torpedoes.
+
The H6K4 was armed with four 7.7 mm Type 97 (Lewis) machine guns with 582 rounds apiece and, in the tail turret, one 20mm Type 99-I cannon with 432 rounds. The flying boat could carry twelve 60-kg bombs, four 250-kg bombs, or two 800-kg Type 91 Model 1 torpedoes.
  
−
A major weakness of all H6K flying boats was the lack of protective armor for the crew and for the fuel tanks. This was sacrificed for the sake of its extended flight range. When the plane started to suffer losses in combat, designers of later Model 22 planes began to focus on protecting the crew.
+
A major weakness of all H6K flying boats was the lack of protective armour for the crew and for the fuel tanks. This was sacrificed for the sake of its extended flight range. When the plane started to suffer losses in combat, designers of later Model 22 planes began to focus on protecting the crew.
  
 
The H6K flying boat's first combat action was a raid on Wake Island on December 11, 1941. The plane was widely used in the Pacific theater during the first part of the war. The H6K ran long-range reconnaissance missions, convoy escort duty, submarine searches, bombing missions, and search and rescue operations. When the newer H8K arrived, the H6K began to be used mostly as a transport plane. The plane was in operation until the Japanese surrender in 1945.
 
The H6K flying boat's first combat action was a raid on Wake Island on December 11, 1941. The plane was widely used in the Pacific theater during the first part of the war. The H6K ran long-range reconnaissance missions, convoy escort duty, submarine searches, bombing missions, and search and rescue operations. When the newer H8K arrived, the H6K began to be used mostly as a transport plane. The plane was in operation until the Japanese surrender in 1945.
  
 
127 H6K4s were built, out of a total of 217 H6Ks.
 
127 H6K4s were built, out of a total of 217 H6Ks.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
−
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=bomber&vehicle=h6k4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=h6k4 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
;Videos
 
;Videos
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== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/314787-kawanishi-h6k4-mod-22/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Kawanishi}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Kawanishi}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}

Latest revision as of 12:52, 14 November 2023

Rank 7 USA
F-5C Pack
H6K4
h6k4.png
GarageImage H6K4.jpg
ArtImage H6K4.jpg
H6K4
Japan flag.png Japan
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
2.0 1.7 2.3
Class:
Research:5 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The H6K4, designated as the Type 97 Large Flying Boat (九七式大型飛行艇), was a Japanese flying boat that was used for maritime patrols and bombings during World War II. The aircraft was developed in 1934 based on the experiences of Kawanishi with the British Short Brothers flying boats. It had four engines, a twin tail, and a parasol wing with floats. It made its first flight in 1936 and entered service with the Japanese navy in 1938. It had an excellent range and could patrol for 24 hours. It was deployed in the war against China and later in the war in the Pacific, where it carried out attacks on Wake Island and Australia. The aircraft was vulnerable to the newer generation of Allied fighters and was gradually replaced by the Kawanishi H8K. A total of 215 units were built.

It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The H6K4 is a versatile hydroplane bomber that can attack bases and ships with its bombs and torpedoes. However, it is also very vulnerable due to its large size. It can only carry two 800 kg bombs (or torpedoes) at a time, which may not be enough to destroy a base. It can also cap bases in naval battles, but it should avoid close combat with enemy fighters and AA guns. Given its large size and slow speed, flying away from enemy pursuers will be a hard task, with multiple 7.7 mm machine guns across the plane dealing little damage, there is a singular deadly 20 mm directly in the tail, which will be the main means of shooting down enemies on this large boat's six.

Nicknames
  • IJN Pilot abbreviation: Kyū-Nana Taitei (九七(式)大艇, (Type) 97 Large Boat),
  • Allied reporting name: Mavis

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 4 100 m325 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude9 560 m
Engine4 х Mitsubishi Kinsei 43
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight23 t

The H6K4 has decidedly bad flight performance given its large size. The aircraft has an abysmal top speed, meaning that it can be outrun by most biplanes at its battle rating. As well, the aircraft has lacklustre acceleration, and an almost-nonexistent climb rate. The aircraft's manoeuvrability is just as bad, given its massive size - turning and rolling are all rather difficult manoeuvres to perform. The aircraft can feel extremely sluggish (basically a brick with wings) when performing manoeuvres, even more so than conventional heavy bombers. The aircraft's camera angle in AB/RB is also extremely weird, as it looks downwards onto the aircraft. On the plus side, the aircraft has a slow stall speed, to permit its use as a hydroplane.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 4,100 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 311 303 9560 23.3 24.0 5.3 5.3 396
Upgraded 341 325 22.0 22.6 8.9 6.9

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 450 498 469 320 ~3 ~2
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 240 < 240 < 240 > 341
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,500 m 1,050 hp 1,123 hp

Survivability and armour

Crew9 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • No armour protection
  • Non-self-sealing fuel tanks (8 in the mid-fuselage, 6 in each wing)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB353 → 446 Sl icon.png
RB492 → 622 Sl icon.png
SB874 → 1 106 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 920 Rp icon.png
4 480 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 60 / 110 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type92_turret_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
12 in (mod30)
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
230 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
type92_turret_new_gun
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
17 3/4 in (mod45)
Research:
330 Rp icon.png
Cost:
250 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
type99_turret_belt_pack
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon torpedo.png
Improved torpedo
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
280 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
type99_turret_new_gun
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
14 in (mod35)
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
360 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Suspended armament

List of setups (8)
Setup 112 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
Setup 22 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bomb
Setup 32 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bomb
Setup 42 x 500 kg Navy Type Number 50 Model 2 bomb
Setup 52 x 800 kg Number 80 Mod. 1 bomb
Setup 62 x 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bomb
Setup 72 x Type 91 Model 2 torpedo (835 kg)
Setup 82 x Type 91 Model 3 torpedo (850 kg)
Main articles: Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg), Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg), Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 (250 kg), Navy Type Number 50 Model 2 (500 kg)
Main articles: Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP (800 kg), Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)
Main articles: Type 91 Model 2 (835 kg), Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)

The H6K4 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (720 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x 500 kg Navy Type Number 50 Model 2 bombs (1,000 kg total)
  • 2 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bombs (1,600 kg total)
  • 2 x 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bombs (1,600 kg total)
  • 2 x 835 kg Type 91 Model 2 torpedoes
  • 2 x 850 kg Type 91 Model 3 torpedoes

Defensive armament

Turret20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon
Ammunition432 rounds
Fire rate517 shots/min
4 х Turret7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun
Ammunition582 rounds
Fire rate600 shots/min
Main articles: Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm), Type 92 (7.7 mm)

The H6K4 is defended by:

  • 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, tail turret (432 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, nose turret (582 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (582 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, dorsal turret (582 rpg)

Usage in battles

The H6K4 is an interesting aircraft to fly in air battles, given its massive size, decent defensive armament and ordnance load. The aircraft can be used as a conventional bomber in Air battles, delivering its large payload on bases. It can also be used in naval battles, with its large load of two torpedoes and the ability to cap bases. However, no matter what way you play this aircraft, be aware that it is huge. The large size of the aircraft makes it an attractive target for fighters, SPAAs and naval AA guns alike.

The first possible playstyle for the H6K4 is that of a conventional bomber - the aircraft's large payload of 1,600 kg (2 x 800 kg) allows it to destroy bases with ease. However, there are several limitations to this approach that should be considered. Firstly, the aircraft lacks landing gear (because it is a hydroplane), meaning that it is unable to land on conventional airfields. You can still try, but take care to land the aircraft slowly to avoid the risk of crashing. As well, the aircraft only carries two bombs max - this limits the number of bases, or targets, that you can hit. Depending on circumstance, a single bomb may not be enough to destroy a base - in that case, you will need to expend both bombs on a single base.

The second option for this aircraft would be in naval battles. The aircraft's large armament and floatplane abilities allow it to be used as a base-capper. The aircraft carries a pair of Type 91 torpedoes (Model 2 or 3) which are highly effective against any target up to destroyer-size. However, these torpedoes will be hard to aim against small targets such as MTBs, as smaller vessels are typically very manoeuvrable. Note that you may want to attack from afar when flying this aircraft - the aircraft is unarmoured, and any hits from ship-based AA guns may set your large plane on fire.

If being pursued by enemy fighters, the H6K4's massive size and slow speed will prevent it from running away effectively. Thus, your only hope would be the H6K4's defensive armament - this is one sector where the H6K4 excels. Being a Japanese bomber, the H6K is very well armed for its BR and carries a total of five guns. There are four single 7.7 mm machine guns, and a 20 mm cannon in the tail position. However, note that the H6K4 doesn't have any defensive positions underneath the fuselage - after all, it is a hydroplane. This means that you are completely vulnerable from underneath. To remedy this, attempt to bait pursuing aircraft above you or behind - this way, they can be hit by the highly-effective 20 mm cannon defending the rear.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Not controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Not controllable
1 gear 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • H6K for Flying boat:
    • Bomber spawn
    • Landing floats
      • Can capture points in Naval
    • Decent combined defensive armament
    • 2 x Type 91 Aerial Torpedo
      • Torpedo has the highest drop speed in the game at 580 km/h and is one of the most feared torpedoes in Naval Battles
    • 12 x Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60 kg)
      • Gets 2 x bomb racks of 6 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets
    • 2 x No.80 Land Bomb (800 kg)
      • Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer

Cons:

  • H6K for Flying boat:
    • Huge target
    • Slow
    • Lack of land-suitable gear
      • Very unreliable to land on regular run-ways
    • Bombs drop in series
  • Common Navy plane construction:
    • Poor defensive armament: 7.7 mm Type 92 MG
    • Fragile, little armour, and no self-sealing fuel tanks
  • H6K specific:
    • Awkward default camera angle

History


Archive of the in-game description

A quad-engined all-metal parasol-wing monoplane flying boat. An experimental version, the Type S, made its first flight on July 14, 1936. The plane was approved by the Imperial Japanese Navy as Type 97 Large Flying Boat in 1937. Mass production began in 1938.

The most common variant was model 22 (H6K4), created in 1940. The first 119 planes were fitted with a air-cooled 14-cylinder twin-row radial Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 engine (1,000 hp). Afterwards, the slightly more powerful Kinsei 46 was used. The H6K4 carried more fuel than earlier models, increasing its maximum range to 25 hours, or 6,000 km. Its fuselage included waist blisters fitted with machine guns, which required a slightly longer tail section.

The H6K4 was armed with four 7.7 mm Type 97 (Lewis) machine guns with 582 rounds apiece and, in the tail turret, one 20mm Type 99-I cannon with 432 rounds. The flying boat could carry twelve 60-kg bombs, four 250-kg bombs, or two 800-kg Type 91 Model 1 torpedoes.

A major weakness of all H6K flying boats was the lack of protective armour for the crew and for the fuel tanks. This was sacrificed for the sake of its extended flight range. When the plane started to suffer losses in combat, designers of later Model 22 planes began to focus on protecting the crew.

The H6K flying boat's first combat action was a raid on Wake Island on December 11, 1941. The plane was widely used in the Pacific theater during the first part of the war. The H6K ran long-range reconnaissance missions, convoy escort duty, submarine searches, bombing missions, and search and rescue operations. When the newer H8K arrived, the H6K began to be used mostly as a transport plane. The plane was in operation until the Japanese surrender in 1945.

127 H6K4s were built, out of a total of 217 H6Ks.


Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #222 - Pages of History section at 03:55 discusses air combats between the H6K4 and B-17s in the Pacific.

See also

Related development
Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era

External links


Kawanishi Aircraft Company (川西航空機)
Fighters  J6K1
N1K  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Bombers  H6K4 · H8K2 · H8K3
Hydroplane  N1K1 · E7K2

Japan bombers
Navy 
Carrier-based attack bomber 
B5N  B5N2
B6N  B6N1 · B6N2 · B6N2a
B7A  B7A2 · B7A2 (Homare 23)
Carrier-based dive bomber 
D3A  D3A1
D4Y  D4Y1 · D4Y2 · D4Y3 Ko
Shipboard Observation seaplane 
F1M  F1M2
Land-based Attack bomber 
G4M  G4M1
G5N  G5N1
G8N  G8N1
Flying boat 
H6K  H6K4
H8K  H8K2 · H8K3
Land-based Bomber 
P1Y  P1Y1
Army 
Light  Ki-32
  Ki-48-II otsu
Heavy  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei
  Ki-49-I · Ki-49-IIa · Ki-49-IIb · Ki-49-IIb/L
  Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Other countries  ▅B-17E

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