World of Warbirds

Author: Bryan Pearce

Each episode is an exploration of a different aircraft from the World Wars Era: how they were designed, built, modified and used in combat and if any have survived. Join me at : patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds Facebook: @WorldofWB Email: bpearce29@gmail.com Consider becoming a Warbirds Support: https://paypal.me/WOWB17?country.xCA&locale.xen_US
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Language: en

Genres: History

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Kawanishi H6K "Mavis": The First Queen of Pacific Distance
Episode 115
Saturday, 18 April, 2026

Born of a naval treaty loophole that traded airfields for flying boats, the Kawanishi H6K "Mavis" became the eyes of the Imperial Japanese Navy across the vast Pacific. In this episode, I explore how this massive four-engine monoplane—inspired by British designs—achieved a staggering 24-hour endurance, operating from remote lagoons to strike targets as far as Australia. We’ll break down the technical leap from biplanes to the "Mavis" and recount the gritty, slow-motion "heavyweight dogfight" of 1942, where Mavis traded blows with an American B-17. Join us as we trace the rise of this long-range pioneer and the vulnerabilities that eventually saw it outmatched by faster, armored hunters and how "Mavis" paved the way for the legendary "Emily." Mentioined in this episode: Wirraways, Boomerangs and Kangaroos! Connect with me! I love comments! patreon.com/WorldofWarbirds https://www.facebook.com/WorldofWB WOWB Twitter (X): @WorldofWarbird Tanner's Twitter (X): @beejuice21 Threads: world_of_warbirds_podcast Insta: world_of_warbirds_podcast bpearce29@gmail.com