EMILY H8K Kawanishi FLYING BOAT Aero Detail 31

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Offered for sale by Over The Blue Horizon is an outstanding pictorial recently obtained from Japan: “Kawanishi H8K EMILY Type 2 Flying Boat,” Volume 31 from the very well-respected Aero Detail Series. This book is exceptional because of its incredibly useful WWII photographs, outstanding line drawings, and exceptionally detailed color photographs of the surviving Emily that was brought back to the United States at the end of WWII for technical evaluation. This EMILY languished in the United States until 1979 when it was returned to Japan and restored. The process of careful restoration was well-documented in photographs and form a significant part of this book. Every aspect of the aircraft is presented, including a good look at its original markings. And, rare for a Japanese publication, this book provides extensive English text; ’s an example:”Overall, the external paint on the Type 2 consisted of a base coat of a rust-colored corrosion-resistant primer (including on the fabric areas of the outer wing, aft of the rear spar, and the interior of the aircraft), followed by an aluminum-powder lacquer over all surfaces. It was over this silver-colored layer that the familiar dark green camouflage and other colors were sprayed …. When the aircraft was stripped, careful measurements were taken of all markings and original paint chips were preserved in order to refinish the plane as close to its original condition as possible. The results of these measurements and notes are the marking diagrams on pages 72-76 …. Of interest to the researchers while taking their measurements was the ‘discover’ of marking details not previously known, such as the wheels being painted flat black, the red marking on the front half of the spinners, and the detailed frame number and ‘fumuna’ (no step) markings on some portions of the plane …. ” As you can see, the English text in this book is outstanding and no other book on the EMILY offers as much detail.The EMILY was an Imperial Japanese Navy flying boat used during World War II for maritime patrol duties The H8K entered production in 1941 and first saw operational use on the night of March 4, 1942 in a little-known attempt at a second raid on Pearl Harbor. Since the Hawaiian Islands lay out of range for the flying boats, this audacious plan involved a refueling by submarine en route at French Frigate Shoals. Two EMILYs actually made it to Oahu and bombed the island, albeit ineffectively. The improved H8K2 variant soon appeared, and its extremely heavy defensive armament earned it the nickname "Flying Porcupine” among Allied aircrews. The H8K2 were an upgrade over the H8K1 by having more powerful engines, slightly revised armament, and an increase in fuel capacity. This was to be the definitive variant, with 112 produced. They were used on a wide range of patrol, reconnaissance, bombing, and transport missions throughout the Pacific war. Nearly 40 examples of a dedicated transport version, the H8K2-L were also built, capable of carrying 62 troops. Overall, a total of 167 EMILYs were produced, and four survived until the end of the war. This exceptional104 page, 8.5 x 11.75 inch softcover with dustjacket is brand-new. Just look at the accompanying scans – if you have any interest in the Emily, this book is a must-have, and if you are contemplating building an EMILY kit, this book will provide you an unprecedented level of detail! FREE SHIPPING & HANDLING : We offer FREE United States Postal Service (USPS) Priority shipping (4-6 days) with delivery confirmation for this auction to U.S. buyers. If your purchase is under $50, insurance is your option and will cost $1.70. If your purchase is over $50, we pay for the insurance. Hawaii residents pay 4.166% general excise tax. We wrap your purchase in bubble wrap or tissue, and then protect it with clean, sturdy cardboard to ensure that it arrives in the same condition described in the auction. We mail promptly and send you the delivery confirmation number when your purchase is mailed. Check out our feedback – we take pride in ... read more

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