Aichi E13A


The Aichi E13A is a long-range reconnaissance seaplane used by the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1941-45. Numerically the most important floatplane of the IJN, it could carry a crew of three and a bombload of 250 kg. The Navy designation was "Navy Type Zero Reconnaissance Seaplane".
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Operational history

In China, it operated from seaplane tenders and cruisers. Later, it was used as a scout for the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and it was encountered in combat by the United States Navy during the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway. It was in service throughout the conflict, for coastal patrols, strikes against navigation, liaison, officer transports, castaway rescues, and other missions, along with some kamikaze missions in the last days of war. Alongside with the Mitsubishi F1M, the E13A served on the Yamato-class battleships as catapult-launched reconnaissance aircraft, replacing the Nakajima E8N.
One Aichi E13A was operated by Nazi Germany alongside two Arado Ar 196s out of the base at Penang. The three aircraft formed the East Asia Naval Special Service to assist the German Monsun Gruppe as well as local Japanese naval operations.
Eight examples were operated by the French Navy Air Force during the First Indochina War from 1945–47, while others were believed to be operated by the Naval Air Arm of the Royal Thai Navy before the war. One example was surrendered to New Zealand forces after the end of hostilities, and it was flown briefly by RNZAF personnel, but not repaired after a float was damaged, and subsequently sank at its moorings in Jacquinot Bay.

Variants

;E13A1:
Prototypes and first production model, later designated Model 11.
;E13A1-K:
Trainer version with dual controls
;E13A1a:
Redesigned floats, improved radio equipment
;E13A1a-S:
Night-flying conversion
;E13A1b:
As E13A1a, with Air-Surface radar
;E13A1b-S:
Night-flying conversion of above
;E13A1c:
Anti-surface vessel version equipped with two downward-firing belly-mounted 20 mm Type 99 Mark II cannons in addition to bombs or depth charges

Production

Operators

Surviving aircraft

The wrecks of a number of sunken aircraft are recorded. The wreckage of one aircraft is located on-land at an abandoned seaplane base at Lenger Island, off Pohnpei in the Federated States of Micronesia.
One E13A was raised from where it sank and is displayed at Gifu Air Field, Kakamigahara, Gifu, Japan. However, it is reportedly in poor condition, lacking its engine, tail, floats and one wing.
Another Aichi, a model E13A1 was raised from the sea in 1992, close to Minamisatsuma, and is now on display at the Bansei Tokkō Peace Museum.