Difference between revisions of "H8K2"

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{{Specs-Card|code=h8k2}}
 
{{About
 
{{About
|about = Japanese bomber '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
+
|about = aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
|usage = the premium version
+
|usage = the premium H8K plane
 
|link = H8K3
 
|link = H8K3
 
}}
 
}}
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=h8k2
 
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
 
 
== 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 was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
+
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese flying boat/heavy bomber {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]].
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
+
=== Flight Performance ===
{{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.'' -->
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
+
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
+
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 
|-
 
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
+
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 
|-
 
|-
! Stock
+
| 454 || 445 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.9 || 34.8 || 3.5 || 3.5 || 750
| 454 || 445 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 33.9 || 34.8 || 3.5 || 3.5 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
 
|-
 
|-
! Upgraded
+
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
| 500 || 476 || 32.1 || 33.0 || 10.5 || 6.5
+
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,000 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
|500||476|| {{Specs|ceiling}} ||32.1||33.0||10.5||6.4||750
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
==== Details ====
+
====Details====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
+
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 
|-
 
|-
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
Line 47: Line 70:
 
|}
 
|}
  
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="7" | Limits
+
! colspan="5" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
+
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~6.2 || ~2.8
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 
|-
 
|-
| 560 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 402 || 379 || 260 || ~4 || ~3
+
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 64: Line 101:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|-
 +
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
|-
 
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
|-
 
|-
| < 360 || < 360 || < 360 || > 341
+
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 
|-
 
|-
 +
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 +
|- -->
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
+
<!--''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.'' -->
 
  
* 20mm steel plates protecting rear gunner
+
* 20mm armour plates protecting rear gunner
* 5mm steel behind pilots
+
* 5mm protecting pilot from rear
* 5mm steel protecting dorsal gunner
+
* 5mm protecting dorsal gunner
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (6 in the mid-fuselage, 1 in each wingroot, 3 in each wing)
+
* 5mm protecting hull fuel tanks
 
+
* All fuel tanks are self-sealing
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
+
<!--''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|Type 91 Mod.2}}
{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg)|Number 80 Mod. 1 (800 kg)|Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP (800 kg)|Type 91 Model 2 (835 kg)}}
+
{{main|Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Navy_Type_98_Number_25_(250_kg)|Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP (800_kg)|Navy_Type_Number_80_Model_1_(800_kg)|l1=Type 97 No.6 (60 kg)|l2=Type 98 No.25 (250 kg)|l3=Type 99 No.80 AP (800 kg)|l4=Type No.80 Mod.1 (800 kg)}}
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
+
* 2 x Type 91 Mod.2 torpedoes
 
+
* 16 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs
* 2 x 835 kg Type 91 Model 2 torpedoes
+
* 8 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs
* 16 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (960 kg total)
+
* 2 x 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bombs
* 8 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (2,000 kg total)
+
* 2 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bombs
* 2 x 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bombs (1,600 kg total)
 
* 2 x 800 kg Number 80 Mod. 1 bombs (1,600 kg total)
 
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
+
<!--''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)|l1=Type 99 Mod.1 (20 mm)|l2=Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}
{{main|Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|Type 92 (7.7 mm)}}
 
  
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
+
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, tail turret (270 rpg)
 
+
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, nose turret (270 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, nose turret (270 rpg)
+
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, 2 x beam turrets (270 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, dorsal turret (450 rpg)
+
* 2 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, cockpit turrets (582 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, 2 x beam turrets (270 rpg)
+
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, dorsal turret (582 rpg)
* 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon, tail turret (540 rpg)
 
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, 2 x cockpit turrets (582 rpg)
 
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, 2 x wing root turrets (582 rpg)
 
* 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun, ventral turret (582 rpg)
 
  
 
== 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 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).''
The H8K2 can be thought of as a Japanese version of the German [[BV 238]], and plays similarly. However, there are some key differences between the two aircraft. The H8K2 can be used in both Naval battles, and Air battles, though there are some key limitations. The aircraft has a strong defensive armament suite of ten guns (five 20 mm cannons and five 7.7 mm machine guns), and can also carry a pair of torpedoes. However, it is a very large aircraft, and is easily shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire. In general, the aircraft should avoid close-in, frontline combat, and instead be used as a heavy bomber/support aircraft.
 
  
The first playstyle for this aircraft would be a heavy bomber in RB. The aircraft benefits from airspawn, meaning that it is much less vulnerable from interception. However, there is one key limitation to this role - the H8K2's tiny payload. The aircraft can only carry a maximum of 1,600 kg of bombs, in two 800 kg bombs. This effectively limits the aircraft to destroying a single base, which doesn't yield great bonuses. The 800 kg bombs are also ineffective against ground targets, as they drop together. This means that the only viable option against ground targets are the 60 kg bombs. However, these are also rather ineffective due to their tiny size and low explosive mass.
+
===Manual Engine Control===
 
 
The second, and more interesting playstyle would be in Naval RB. The aircraft is a floatplane, meaning that it can be used to cap bases. As well, the aircraft can carry two torpedoes, which are very effective against larger vessels. Thus, the aircraft could be used as a torpedo-bomber, staying low and attacking enemies with torpedoes from a distance. However, do not approach to close to enemy naval vessels, as the H8K is massive and an easy target for enemy AAA.
 
 
 
When being attacked, one excellent option is the H8K's defensive armament. The 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 cannons are essentially upgraded MG FF cannons, and can do extensive damage to attacking fighters. However, take note that the aircraft has very limited protection from the underside, similar to other flying boats. Try to bait attacking fighters to your six (and slightly to the right or left), so that you can engage them with the tail, dorsal and beam turrets.
 
 
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
! colspan="3" | Radiator
+
! colspan="3" |Radiator
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
! Oil !! Water !! Type
+
! Oil
 +
! Water
 +
! Type  
 
|-
 
|-
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
+
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
! colspan="1" | Tier
 +
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 +
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 +
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Turret 7 mm
 +
| 12 in (mod30)
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs (turret)
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| Turret 20 mm
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 20 mm cannons (turret)
 +
| 14 in (mod35)
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
+
<!--''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* '''H'''8K for Flying boat:
+
* Excellent speed for the rank
** Bomber spawn
+
* Good armament spread and damage (when they hit), including limited coverage under the plane
** Landing floats
+
* Favourable matchmaking; always on Axis team
*** Can capture points in Naval
+
* Incredible climb rate
** Excellent combined defensive armament
+
* (RB) Long Range Bomber spawn, putting it at usually around 4,500m on spawn
** 2 x [[Type 91 Model 3 (850 kg)|Type 91 Aerial Torpedo]]
+
* Well armoured even for a non-Japanese bomber, with armoured pilot, gunners and self-sealing tanks
*** 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
+
* Excellent RP and SL mods for rank 1, especially as bombs are incredibly cheap
** 16 x [[Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg)|Type 97 No.6 Land Bomb (60 kg)]]
 
*** Gets 2 x bomb racks of 8 x 60 kg bombs which can be used to hit multiple targets
 
** 2 x [[Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)|No.80 Land Bomb (800 kg)]]
 
*** Heaviest bomb Japanese Navy can offer
 
* '''H8K''' specific:
 
** Decent defensive armament for its rank: [[Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 1 Cannon]]
 
** Quite fast for its size and rank
 
** Incredible climb rate
 
** Decently survivable with armour and self-sealing tanks
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* '''H'''8K for Flying boat:
+
* Awful bomb load; 780kg TNT equivalent with largest load, with both wing bombs dropping together
** Huge target
+
* Guns are unreliable; cannons are the weak 20 mm Type 99 mod.1's, machine guns are single 7.7 mms, long reload on the cannons
** Lack of land-suitable gear
+
* Landing is risky due to lack of land-suitable gear; the H8K must land on its hull
*** Very unreliable to land on regular run-ways
+
* High research cost of 40,000RP (more than the B7A and Ki-49 at Rank 3!)
** Bombs drop in series
+
* Huge target
* Common Navy plane construction:
 
** Poor defensive armament: [[Type 99 Model 1 (20 mm)|20 mm Type 99 Model 1 Cannon]]
 
*** Very low muzzle velocity
 
** Poor defensive armament: [[Type 92 (7.7 mm)|7.7 mm Type 92 MG]]
 
  
 
== 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 big, 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== Encyclopedia Info ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
  
 
Widely recognized as the best maritime combat aircraft of WWII, the H8K2 was the main production model of the H8K series of bombers, making up 112 of the 167 total H8Ks of all variants. In 1938, just as its predecessor, the H6K, was entering service, the Imperial Navy ordered the development of a larger aircraft with longer range suited for solo bombing and patrol missions. The resulting H8K flying boats, entering service in February 1942, performed well until the end of the war, and were respected by allied pilots for their fearsome defensive armament. After the war, an H8K2 (one of only four which survived the war) was captured by American forces, and was eventually returned to Japan in 1979, where it remains on display to this day.
 
Widely recognized as the best maritime combat aircraft of WWII, the H8K2 was the main production model of the H8K series of bombers, making up 112 of the 167 total H8Ks of all variants. In 1938, just as its predecessor, the H6K, was entering service, the Imperial Navy ordered the development of a larger aircraft with longer range suited for solo bombing and patrol missions. The resulting H8K flying boats, entering service in February 1942, performed well until the end of the war, and were respected by allied pilots for their fearsome defensive armament. After the war, an H8K2 (one of only four which survived the war) was captured by American forces, and was eventually returned to Japan in 1979, where it remains on display to this day.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
+
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
 
 
;Skins
 
 
 
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=h8k2 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 194: Line 255:
  
 
== 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;''
* ''other literature.'' -->
+
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
+
* ''other literature.''
* [[wt:en/devblog/current/880|[Devblog] The Aerial Cruiser of Japan: H8K2 and H8K3]]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/307703-kawanishi-h8k2/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Kawanishi}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Kawanishi}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}
 
{{Japan bombers}}

Revision as of 16:26, 20 August 2020

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
h8k2.png
H8K2
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the aircraft H8K2. For the premium H8K plane, see H8K3.

Description

GarageImage H8K2.jpg


The H8K2 is a Rank II Japanese flying boat/heavy bomber with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB) and 3.7 (RB/SB). This aircraft was introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March".

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
454 445 9500 33.9 34.8 3.5 3.5 750
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
500 476 9500 32.1 33.0 10.5 6.4 750

Details

Features
Combat flap Take-off flap Landing flap Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wing-break speed
(km/h)
Gear limit
(km/h)
Combat flap
(km/h)
Max Static G
+ -
0 450  ??? ~6.2 ~2.8
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< ??? < ??? < ??? > ???
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
 ?,??? m  ??? hp  ?,??? hp

Survivability and armour

  • 20mm armour plates protecting rear gunner
  • 5mm protecting pilot from rear
  • 5mm protecting dorsal gunner
  • 5mm protecting hull fuel tanks
  • All fuel tanks are self-sealing

Armaments

Suspended armament

Main article: Type 91 Mod.2
  • 2 x Type 91 Mod.2 torpedoes
  • 16 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs
  • 8 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs
  • 2 x 800 kg Navy Type 99 Number 80 AP bombs
  • 2 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bombs

Defensive armament

  • 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, tail turret (270 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, nose turret (270 rpg)
  • 1 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 1 navy cannon, 2 x beam turrets (270 rpg)
  • 2 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, cockpit turrets (582 rpg)
  • 1 x 7.7 mm Type 92 navy machine gun, dorsal turret (582 rpg)

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).

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not controllable 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)
III Wings repair Engine Turret 20 mm
IV Engine injection Cover New 20 mm cannons (turret) 14 in (mod35)

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Excellent speed for the rank
  • Good armament spread and damage (when they hit), including limited coverage under the plane
  • Favourable matchmaking; always on Axis team
  • Incredible climb rate
  • (RB) Long Range Bomber spawn, putting it at usually around 4,500m on spawn
  • Well armoured even for a non-Japanese bomber, with armoured pilot, gunners and self-sealing tanks
  • Excellent RP and SL mods for rank 1, especially as bombs are incredibly cheap

Cons:

  • Awful bomb load; 780kg TNT equivalent with largest load, with both wing bombs dropping together
  • Guns are unreliable; cannons are the weak 20 mm Type 99 mod.1's, machine guns are single 7.7 mms, long reload on the cannons
  • Landing is risky due to lack of land-suitable gear; the H8K must land on its hull
  • High research cost of 40,000RP (more than the B7A and Ki-49 at Rank 3!)
  • Huge target

History

Widely recognized as the best maritime combat aircraft of WWII, the H8K2 was the main production model of the H8K series of bombers, making up 112 of the 167 total H8Ks of all variants. In 1938, just as its predecessor, the H6K, was entering service, the Imperial Navy ordered the development of a larger aircraft with longer range suited for solo bombing and patrol missions. The resulting H8K flying boats, entering service in February 1942, performed well until the end of the war, and were respected by allied pilots for their fearsome defensive armament. After the war, an H8K2 (one of only four which survived the war) was captured by American forces, and was eventually returned to Japan in 1979, where it remains on display to this day.

Media

Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.

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.

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