Aichi E13A

The Aichi E13A, designated “Jake” by Allied intelligence, was a Japanese single‑engine reconnaissance seaplane that entered service in 1939 and remained operational through the end of World War II. Developed by the Aichi Aircraft Company to meet the Imperial Japanese Navy’s requirement for a long‑range, catapult‑launched floatplane, the E13A combined a low‑drag, all‑metal monoplane wing with a conventional tail and twin floats. Powered by a 950 hp Mitsubishi Kinsei radial engine, it could reach 310 km/h, carry a 200 kg payload, and cruise for up to 1,800 km, giving it the endurance needed for maritime patrol, artillery spotting, and photo‑reconnaissance missions across the vast Pacific theater. Its cockpit provided excellent visibility, while interchangeable camera bays allowed rapid conversion between observation and anti‑submarine roles. More than 1,200 units were built, serving on carriers, cruisers, and shore bases. The E13A’s reliability and adaptability made it a workhorse of the Japanese navy, influencing later seaplane designs and demonstrating the strategic value of ship‑borne aerial reconnaissance. Its extensive combat record, from the attack on Pearl Harbor to the Battle of the Philippine Sea, cements its place as one of the most significant Japanese naval aircraft of the era.

Aichi

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