picture 170739

This Type 97 Flying Boat, coded “U3‑30,” was a Model 23 (H6K5), the last version of the Type 97 built by Kawanishi. The aircraft was assigned to the 801st Kokutai, based on Hokkaido, in November 1943. The Model 23 had more powerful Mitsubishi Kinsei 53 engines offering 1,300hp for take‑off, and replaced the open bow gun position with a small turret atop the cockpit. Kawanishi built 36 Model 23s before ending production of the Type 97.