WITP Book' A little spare time.. the next Hibiki?

[Commander Stormwolf]

Mansyu team had been established in the japanese controlled manchukuo,
and there was still hesitation to allow them access to the latest technology
and designs, in case the knowledge was obtained by the chinese.

As result, the Mansyu team was told to develop trainers, particulary
those without the use of strategic materials. It appeared mundange,
however it was an important task.

[Commander Stormwolf]

Kawanishi team had developed the Seiku (Emily) flying boat in 1941.
It was this design where much of the faith of the air ministry was laid
and there were many ideas on how these large beasts could be used.

Some suggested submarines to refuel for long range missions.
Others suggested capturing atolls and remote bases close to the enemy
rear areas by way of fast surface ships, then basing the flying boats
in the vicinity. Another idea that was circulating was placing one or more Seiku
onto a seaplane tender, allowing long-range airpower to be deployed from ships.

All of these ideas were being given serious consideration because
1) the performance of the Seiku was as good as land-based 4-Engined rivals
2) the Reisen fighter could be used to provide long range escort

The Seiku had brought the Kawanishi firm into the first tier of japanese aeronautics

[Commander Stormwolf]

Watanabe was one of the two experimental design teams, with
no immediate projects being developed.

The only major requirement given to the Watanabe team
was to facilitate the development of a next-generation,
war-winning craft.

Ambiguous as these specifications were,
many radical designers were attracted to this firm because of
the open-minded task. Some were hoping to use jet power
and rocketry.

[Commander Stormwolf]

Tachikawa was the final japanese design team.
There were no planes in the immediate pipeline,
however significant progress had been made on the development
of long-range craft. It was hoped that some type of breakthrough could
be made to allow communication by air between japan and its european allies.