History:
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With the knowledge gained from manufacturing and developing the F.5, R-3, Type 15, and Type 89 flying boats, Hiro became Japan’s most experienced producer of large flying boats. In 1930, plans were developed by the Hiro Arsenal to build a large three-engined flying boat, the first large all-metal airplane entirely of Japanese design. The project was led by Cdr Misao Wada, with Lt. Cdr (Ordnance) Jun Okamura as the chief designer.
The new flying boat was a cantilever monoplane incorporating the proven Wagner box-spar acquired from Rohrbach and hull features from the Supermarine Southampton and Hiro Type 89 flying boats. Water-tank tests supervised by Rear Admiral Yuzuru Hiraga determined the hull contours. Key requirements included the ability to fly on two engines and good water characteristics. It was designed to be the first Japanese Navy aircraft capable of carrying a one-ton bomb load.
Completed at the Hiro Naval Arsenal in 1931 and designated the Type 90-1 Flying-boat (H3H1), it was flown to Yokosuka for extensive testing by Lt. Cdr Daizo Nakajima. Numerous problems led to modifications, including moving the radiators further aft, experimenting with different propellers, adding auxiliary vertical fins to the tailplane, and relocating struts to adjust the angle of incidence. The final configuration was designated Type 90-1-4 Flying-boat.
By 1933, the aircraft, having proven unsatisfactory, was used as a flying testbed for the 950hp Mitsubishi Shinten engine before being retired. Despite its innovative monoplane design, it was considered inferior in stability to the Kawanishi Type 90-2 Flying-boat (H3K1). Only one H3H1 was built, but the design and fabrication experience gained proved valuable for later all-metal large aircraft development.
Statistics:
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Type: Three-engined monoplane flying-boat
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Construction: All-metal stressed skin
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Crew: 9
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Engines: Three 650-790hp Mitsubishi Hispano-Suiza twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engines, driving four-bladed wooden propellers
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Armament:
Twin bow-mounted flexible 7.7mm machine guns
Twin flexible 7.7mm machine guns amidship on each side
Twin tail-mounted flexible 7.7mm machine guns
Bomb load: Two 500kg (1,102 lb) or four 250kg (551 lb) bombs -
Dimensions:
Wingspan: 31.047m (101ft 10½in)
Length: 22.705m (74ft 6in)
Height: 7.515m (24ft 8in)
Wing area: 137 sq m (1,474.703 sq ft) -
Weights:
Empty weight: 7,900kg (17,416 lb)
Loaded weight: 11,900kg (26,245 lb) -
Performance:
Maximum speed: 123 kt (142 mph) at sea level
Cruising speed: 85 kt (98 mph)
Alighting speed: 60.4 kt (69.5 mph)
Climb to 3,000m (9,843 ft): 17 min
Service ceiling: 4,500m (14,763 ft)
Range: 1,105 nm (1,273 sm)
Endurance: 13 hr -
Number Built: 1 (1931)
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More pictures:
Summary of Why This Vehicle Should Be in War Thunder:
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The Navy Type 90-1 Flying-boat (H3H1) is an important piece of aviation history that would provide a unique and engaging gameplay experience in War Thunder.
Historical Significance: As the first large all-metal airplane designed entirely by Japan, the H3H1 represents a key milestone in Japanese aviation history.
Unique Design and Features: The H3H1’s monoplane design, three-engine configuration, and all-metal construction offer distinct flight characteristics and operational capabilities, differentiating it from other aircraft in the game.
Versatility in Roles: Equipped with multiple machine guns and capable of carrying a big bomb load, the H3H1 can fulfill various roles in bombing runs.
Challenging Gameplay: Piloting the H3H1, with its unique handling and performance traits, would provide players with a challenging and rewarding experience.
Sources:
- Hiro Kosho H1H, H2H, H3H and H4H flying boats | Secret Projects Forum
- Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941 (Putnam Aeronautical Books):
Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941 (Putnam Aeronautical Books): Mikesh, Robert, Abe, Shorzoe: 9781557505637: Amazon.com: Books
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