The Aichi E10A, a Japanese night reconnaissance flying boat from the 1930s, was a single-engine biplane.
The Imperial Japanese Navy commissioned 15 of these aircraft as the Type 96 Night Reconnaissance Seaplane.
They were in service from 1936 and retired in 1941, prior to the attack on Pearl Harbour.
In 1934, drawing from the experience gained through testing the Experimental 6-Shi Night Reconnaissance Flying Boat, the Imperial Japanese Navy formulated a specification for a new night reconnaissance aircraft.
This aircraft was designed to track enemy fleets under the veil of night, leading to orders being placed with both Aichi and Kawanishi.
Aichi’s design, designated AB-12, featured a single-engine biplane flying boat with an all-metal structure.
Its two-bay wings were designed to fold backwards, conserving space aboard ships.
The three-person crew was housed in an enclosed cabin.
Propulsion was provided by a rear-mounted, water-cooled Aichi Type 91 engine, which turned a four-bladed wooden propeller.
The initial prototype took flight in December 1934 and demonstrated superior stability compared to its rival, the Kawanishi E10K, leading to its selection for production.
E11A
The Aichi E11A served as a flying boat for the Imperial Japanese Navy, primarily in the initial year of World War II for maritime patrols.
It was designated as the Type 98 Reconnaissance Seaplane by the Japanese Navy.
This model bore a resemblance to its predecessor, the E10A Type 96.
Its design facilitated nighttime launches from cruisers or battleships for the purpose of spotting artillery fire.
However, the Type 98s were quickly reassigned to roles in communication and transportation.
Specifications
E11A
Crew
3
Length
10.71 m (35 ft 2 in)
Wingspan
14.49 m (47 ft 6 in)
Height
4.52 m (14 ft 10 in)
Empty weight
1,927 kg (4,248 lb)
Gross weight
3,297 kg (7,269 lb)
Max take-off weight
3,297 kg (7,269 lb)
Powerplant
1 × Hiro Type 91 Model 22 W-12,
Water-cooled piston engine,
460 kW (620 hp)
Propellers
4 bladed fixed pitch pusher propellers
Performance
Maximum speed
217 km/h (135 mph, 117 kn) at 2,400 m (7,874 ft)
Range
1,945 km (1,209 mi, 1,050 nmi)
Service ceiling
4,425 m (14,518 ft)
Armament
Guns
1 × 7.7 mm (.303 in) Type 92 machine gun.
Sources Japanese Aircraft 1910–1941-R C Mikesh & A Shorzoe. The Xplanes of Imperial Japanese Army & Navy 1924-1945-Illustrated Warplane History.
