Type 97 H6K5/23 Mavis, 1/144 by Trumpeter, Model Airplane

Type 97 H6K2 flew with Japan Air Lines as a 16 passenger aircraft between Saipan, Palau and other points in the Western Pacific for several years. Code named "Mavis" by the allies, it was re engined several times, as new and more powerful units became available, with the final version being the 1,300hp 14 cylinder Venus radial used in the H6K5. Sixty six Type 97's were in operation with the Japanese Navy when the Pacific war began, and it was used until production ended in 1943,when replaced by the H8K series of Kawanishi "Emily " four engined flying boats. Most of the H6k Mavis aircraft were withdrawn form front line service and converted to transports. A total of 217 Type 97 flying boats of all types were produced from 1936 to 1943. « less