Day: January 8, 2025

Kawanishi H8K ‘Emily’ Flying Boats Part V – The Survivor

Of the 167 Kawasaki H8K Emilys produced only one survived the war and subsequent disarmament. H8K2 Model 11 constructor’s number 426 was assigned to the 801st Kokutai and was at Takuma when the war ended. It was selected for evaluation and shipped to America. Here is 426 on the seaplane ramp at NAS Whidbey Island in NOV45.
The evaluation aircraft was the subject of several of the best portraits taken of an Emily to date. This is another of the Whidbey Island photos. The control surfaces have locks in place to prevent wind damage due to flutter, and spoilers have been attached to the upper wing surfaces to help reduce lift produced by the wind.
The original Japanese markings were painted out and the Emily was given crude American insignia while in Japan. She was embarked on the seaplane tender USS Cumberland Sound (AV-17) in NOV45 for shipment to the United States.
The frontal view shows the Type 6 surface search radar antennas mounted to the nose which were removed for separate evaluation. Emily 426 also has several of the wing leading edge engine servicing platforms deployed. In the background the ramp is full of Martin PBM Mariner flying boats.
American technicians gave 426 a thorough overhaul to prepare her for evaluation. This included restoring the Hinomaru, although the crude U.S. insignia is still faintly visible in this view.
The Emily was only flow once by the Americans, a flight from NAS Norfolk to NAS Patuxent River on 23MAY46. The U.S. Navy was very interested in the hydrodynamic performance of the Emily’s hull, and taxiing trails were the first priority.
Here is a fine portrait of the Emily taxiing in the Patuxent River in August, 1946, one of a series.
The next photos show the Emily working up to speed. On-going engine problems plagued the test program.
Taxiing trials were conducted from 22AUG46 to 30JAN47, when one of the engines finally failed and no replacement could be located.
Here is Emily 426 in open storage on the ramp at NAS Norfolk, looking much worse for wear. The outer wing panels have been removed giving a good view of the internal structure.
The story of Emily 426 has a happy ending. In July 1979 the U.S. Government returned her to Japan where she underwent a complete and painstaking restoration and preservation effort. She is now on public display at the Museum of Maritime Science in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Details of this aircraft and the restoration effort are thoroughly documented in Aero Detail 31 for those interested.

Part I here: https://inchhighguy.wordpress.com/2024/12/04/kawanishi-h8k-emily-flying-boats-part-i/