Trumpeter Kawanishi Type 97 H6K Mavis — 1:144

Aircraft

The Kawanishi H6K, known to the Allies as “Mavis,” was a large four-engine Japanese flying boat developed for long-range maritime reconnaissance.

The prototype first flew in 1936, with production beginning in 1937. The H6K4 was powered by four Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 engines of approximately 1,000 hp each. Later H6K5 aircraft received more powerful Kinsei 53 engines.

The aircraft was used extensively during the early part of the Pacific War, particularly for long-range patrols and reconnaissance in the Southwest Pacific.

Representative specifications

• Crew: Multiple crew members, depending on variant and mission

• Engines: 4 × Mitsubishi Kinsei

• Typical H6K4 engine power: approximately 1,000 hp each

• Length: 25.63 m

• Wingspan: 40 m

• Maximum speed: approximately 331 km/h

• Maximum range: approximately 6,580 km

• Service ceiling: approximately 9,600 m

• Armament: 7.7 mm machine guns and a 20 mm Type 99 cannon, depending on variant

• Bomb load: up to approximately 800 kg

Kit

Trumpeter's 01322 is a compact 1:144-scale representation of the enormous H6K. Despite the small scale, the real aircraft's 40 m wingspan means the finished model still has an impressive footprint.

The kit is an unassembled, unpainted plastic aircraft model and represents the Japanese Navy maritime-reconnaissance configuration.