Yokosuka H5Y-1 IJN Type-99 "Cherry" flying boat

In 1934, the Imperial Japanese Navy issued requirement for a twin-engine maritime reconnaissance flying boat, which was intended to match the performance of contemporary four-engine flying boats, while being cheaper to build and easier to maintain. The 11th Naval Air Arsenal at Yokosuka was given the responsibility of design and building two prototypes, these being completed during 1936. Although the prototype was found to be underpowered, it was accepted for production in 1938 as the H5Y-1 Type-99 Flying Boat. Dubbed codename Cherry by the Allies, the H5Y-1 production deliveries began in 1939, but the underpowered performance led to manufacture termination by the end of the year. It was considered unsuitable for operational use by the Japanese Navy, and was relegated to second-line duties such as communications and transport. Some were used for coastal anti-submarine patrol during the early date of the Pacific War.
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