The Kawanishi H8K2 flying boat (known to the Allies as Emily) was a Japanese maritime patrol bomber. It is widely considered the best flying boat to see service during World War II and was respected by Allied pilots.

Development of the H8K flying boat began in 1938 and the prototype was completed by the end of 1940.

The first flight occurred in January 1941 and they began entering service in February 1942.

Fourteen of the H8K1 version were built before 120 of the more powerful H8K2 version. A further 36 transport versions, capable of carrying 62 troops, were manufactured.

They served widely across the Pacific theatre of operations where their heavy armament earned them the nickname of ‘flying porcupine’. Only four survived the war.

This model represents a H8K2 of Takuma Kohutai in Imperial Japanese Navy service, c.1944

LS 1/144 kit. Completed May 2014