Difference between revisions of "H6K4"

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<!-- ''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.'' -->
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
−
{{break}}
+
{{Break}}
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese flying boat/heavy 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}}''' 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.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!-- ''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 it's large size. The aircraft has an abysmal top speed, meaning that it can be outrun by most ''biplanes'' at it's battle rating. As well, the aircraft has lacklustre acceleration, and an almost-nonexistent climb rate. The aircraft's maneuverability is just as bad, given it's massive size - turning and rolling are all rather difficult maneuvres to perform. The aircraft can feel extremely sluggish (basically a brick with wings) when performing maneuvers, 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 it's use as a hydroplane.
+
<!-- ''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.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
Line 30: Line 31:
  
 
==== Details ====
 
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flaps
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flaps
 
−
! Landing flaps
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 44: Line 41:
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
|{{Specs|destruction|body}}||{{Specs|destruction|gear}}|| 520 || ~3 || ~2
+
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 520 || 520 || 320 || ~3 || ~2
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
| < 240 || < 240 || < 240 || > 341
 
| < 240 || < 240 || < 240 || > 341
Line 90: Line 83:
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
  
−
* No armour  
+
* No armour protection
 
* Non-self-sealing fuel tanks (8 in the mid-fuselage, 6 in each wing)
 
* Non-self-sealing fuel tanks (8 in the mid-fuselage, 6 in each wing)
  
Line 96: Line 89:
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|:Category:Suspended armaments|l1=Suspended armaments}}
+
{{main|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|Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP (800 kg)|Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)}}
 +
{{main|Type 91 Model 2 (835 kg)|Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
Line 106: Line 101:
 
* 2 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bombs (1,600 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 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bombs (1,600 kg total)
−
* 2 x Type 91 Mod.2 torpedoes
+
* 2 x 835 kg Type 91 Model 2 torpedoes
−
* 2 x Type 91 Mod.3 torpedoes
+
* 2 x 850 kg Type 91 Model 3 torpedoes
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Type 99 Model 1 navy (20 mm)|Type 92 navy (7.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, tail turret (432 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, tail turret (432 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, nose turret (582 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, nose turret (582 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (582 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, 2 x beam turrets (582 rpg)
−
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, dorsal turret (582 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, dorsal turret (582 rpg)
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
<!-- Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles 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 it's massive size, decent defensive armament and ordnance load. The aircraft can be used as a conventional bomber in Air battles, delivering it's large payload on bases. It can also be used in naval battles, with it's 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 1600 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 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 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 (Mod. 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 maneuverable. 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.
  
−
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 it's BR and carries a total of five guns. There are four single 7.7mm machine gun, and a 20mm 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 pursueing aircraft above you or behind - this way, they can be hit by the highly-effective 20mm cannon defending the rear.
+
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 ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 141: Line 136:
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable<br>1 gear || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 151: Line 144:
 
=== Modules ===
 
=== Modules ===
 
{| class="wikitable"
 
{| class="wikitable"
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
+
! Tier
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
+
! Survivability
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
|-
 
|-
Line 191: Line 184:
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
* Can carry different payloads for different targets, including torpedos
+
* Can carry different payloads for different targets, including torpedoes
 
* Can land on water, thus you can capture zones with it in naval battles
 
* Can land on water, thus you can capture zones with it in naval battles
−
* Being able to carry two 800 kg HE bombs is an effective payload capacity for Its battle rating
+
* Able to carry two 800 kg HE bombs is an effective payload capacity for its battle rating
 
* Decent defensive armament for the rank
 
* Decent defensive armament for the rank
  
Line 201: Line 194:
 
* Defensive armaments has dead-zones which can make it difficult to engage incoming aircraft
 
* Defensive armaments has dead-zones which can make it difficult to engage incoming aircraft
 
* Slow fire rate on the turrets, Type 92 machine guns fire at 600 RPM
 
* Slow fire rate on the turrets, Type 92 machine guns fire at 600 RPM
−
* The steering of the aircraft and It's overall flight characteristics is somewhat slow and clunky
+
* The steering of the aircraft and its overall flight characteristics is somewhat slow and clunky
 
* Awkward default camera angle
 
* Awkward default camera angle
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
<!-- ''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 ===
 
=== 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.
 
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.
Line 229: Line 223:
 
{{Youtube-gallery|DoZLyWJ5lRw|'''The Shooting Range #222''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:55 discusses air combats between the {{PAGENAME}} and B-17s in the Pacific.}}
 
{{Youtube-gallery|DoZLyWJ5lRw|'''The Shooting Range #222''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 03:55 discusses air combats between the {{PAGENAME}} and B-17s in the Pacific.}}
  
−
== See also ==<!-- Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:
+
== See also ==
 +
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
reference to the series of the aircraft;
+
;Related development
−
links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees. -->
 
−
 
 
−
=== Related development ===
 
  
 
* [[H8K2]]
 
* [[H8K2]]
 
* [[H8K3]]
 
* [[H8K3]]
  
−
=== Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era ===
+
;Aircraft of a similar role, configuration or era
  
 
* [[PBY-5 Catalina]]
 
* [[PBY-5 Catalina]]
Line 246: Line 240:
 
== 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;''
 
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''

Revision as of 18:50, 11 December 2020

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
H6K4
h6k4.png
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

GarageImage H6K4.jpg


The H6K4 is a rank I Japanese bomber with a battle rating of 2.0 (AB), 1.7 (RB), and 2.3 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.

General info

Flight performance

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 + -
0 450 520 520 320 ~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

  • No armour protection
  • Non-self-sealing fuel tanks (8 in the mid-fuselage, 6 in each wing)

Armaments

Suspended armament

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

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 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 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

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage repair Radiator Turret 7 mm 12 in (mod30)
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs (turret) 17 3/4 in (mod45)
III Wings repair Engine Turret 20 mm Improved torpedo
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons (turret) 14 in (mod35)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Can carry different payloads for different targets, including torpedoes
  • Can land on water, thus you can capture zones with it in naval battles
  • Able to carry two 800 kg HE bombs is an effective payload capacity for its battle rating
  • Decent defensive armament for the rank

Cons:

  • Very slow aircraft that cannot outrun any other plane really
  • Defensive armaments has dead-zones which can make it difficult to engage incoming aircraft
  • Slow fire rate on the turrets, Type 92 machine guns fire at 600 RPM
  • The steering of the aircraft and its overall flight characteristics is somewhat slow and clunky
  • Awkward default camera angle

History

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 (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 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.

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.

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

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • encyclopedia page on the aircraft;
  • other literature.


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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