Japanese Naval Flag

Japan's Aichi E16A Zuiun (auspicious cloud, cloud of good omens)
Allied Code Name: Paul

Photos

Aichi E16A floatplane:
Japan's Aichi E16A floatplane 		Aichi E16A floatplane:
Japan's Aichi E16A floatplane		    

Design

The Aichi E16A floatplane was designed to be a successor to the Aichi E13A.1,2 Development started in 1941.1

The E16A was of an all metal construction except for the wing tips and the tail, which were wood.2

Stop Gap Dive Bomber

The E16A was modified by installing hydraulically operated dive brakes to allow it to dive bomb with one or two 500 lb / 250 kg bombs.1

Prototype

The E16A prototype flew in May 1942.1 In August 1943 the final prototype was built.2

Production

  • Prototype: 31
  • Aichi E16A1: 2521
    • Aichi: 1931
    • Nippon-Hikoki: 591
  • Aichi E16A2: 11
  • Total: 2562
    • Manufacturer: Aichi Kokuki K.K.2

Variants

  • Aichi E16A1:
  • Aichi E16A2: The engine was a Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 (1,560 HP).1,2 Was in prototype stage at end of war.2

Usage

Became Operational

In January 1944 the E16A became operational in the Japanese Navy.1 They were deployed to the Philippine Islands a few months later.1

Specifications

  Aichi E16A1
Type Reconnaissance floatplane1
Crew 21
Engine (Type) Mitsubishi Kensei 51 or 541
Cylinders Radial 141
Cooling  
Net HP 1,3001
Propeller blades 31
Dimensions  
Span 42'1
12.8 m1
Length 35' 6.5"1
10.83 m1
Height 15' 8.5"1
4.78 m1
Wing area  
Weight  
Empty 6,493 lb1
2,945 kg1
Normal load 8,380 lb1
3,800 kg1
Maximum load 10,038 lb1
4,553 kg1
Performance  
Speed @ 18,045' /
5,500 m 		274 mph1
440 kph1
Speed - cruising 207 mph1
333 kph1
Climb to 9,840' /
3,000 m 		4.7 minutes1
Service ceiling 32,810'1
10,000 m1
Range 600 miles1
965 kg1
Range maximum 1,504 miles1
2,420 km1
Armament  
Wings 2: 20 mm1
Rear cockpit 1: 13 mm MG1
Bombs 1: 550 lb1
1: 250 kg1
OR 2: 550 lb1
2: 250 kg1

Sources:

  1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
  2. World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976