Hiro H2H

The Hiro H2H, or "Navy Type 89 Flying boat", was a Japanese patrol flying boat of the 1930s. Designed and built by the Hiro Naval Arsenal, it was a twin-engined biplane that was operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy.

Design and development

In 1929, the Imperial Japanese Navy purchased a single example of the British Supermarine Southampton II metal-hulled flying boat, and, after evaluation, it was passed onto the Hiro Naval Arsenal to study its advanced metal hull structure. Following this study, Hiro designed a new flying boat, closely resembling the Southampton.
The new aircraft was a twin-engined biplane, with an all-metal hull and fabric covered metal wing and tail structures. It was powered by two Hiro Type 14 water-cooled 12-cylinders W engines. The first prototype was completed in 1930 and, following successful testing, was ordered into production - with thirteen aircraft being built by Hiro and a further four by Aichi. Later aircraft were powered by more powerful Hiro Type 90 engines.

Operational history

It entered service in 1932 as the Type 89 Flying boat with the Japanese [military aircraft designation systems|short designation] H2H1. Type 89 Flying Boats entered service in time for the Shanghai Incident and, along with Hiro's earlier H1H, served in front-line service until the early years of the Second [Sino-Japanese War].