Kawanishi H3K "Belle"
Kawanishi Aircraft Company · Japan · first flew 1930 · transport aircraft
The Kawanishi H3K was a large Japanese Navy biplane flying boat of the early 1930s, developed from a Short Brothers design for maritime patrol and long-range reconnaissance over the Pacific. It represented an early step in Japan's long-range maritime aviation capability.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 3 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 22.55 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- 1930s Japanese Navy biplane flying boat
- Twin engines on high wing between upper and lower wings
- Large biplane flying boat for maritime patrol
A large biplane flying boat with a thick boat hull, two engines mounted between the wings on struts, sponsons for water stability, and a multi-crew open cockpit arrangement.
Specifications
- The Kawanishi H3K has a length of 22.55 m (74 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 31.05 m (102 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 226 km/h (140 mph).
- Typical crew: 6-9.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The H3K was derived from the Short Rangoon flying boat and built under licence in Japan. Entering service around 1930, it was used by the Imperial Japanese Navy for patrol and survey duties. It was superseded by more capable monoplane flying boats as the decade progressed.
Variants
The H3K1 was the main production variant; minor differences existed between sub-types.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early 1930s for maritime patrol and survey.
Related aircraft
- Kawanishi E7K
- Kawanishi K-8 Transport Seaplane
- Kawanishi H6K
- Kawanishi K-7 Transport Seaplane
- Avro 624 Six
- Besson MB.36
- Bloch MB.60/61
- Boeing Monomail
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