Aichi E11A

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The Aichi E11A ("Kyujuhachi Yatei") was an Imperial Japanese Navy flying boat used during the first year of World War II for maritime patrol duties. The Allied reporting name for the type was "Laura"; the Japanese Navy designation was "Type 98 Reconnaissance Seaplane". The Type 98 was quite similar to the earlier E10A Type 96, whose allied name was "Hank". Lauras" were rare - only 17 were built, and its intended use appears to be equally rare - launched from cruisers or battleships in order to spot the shellfire of opposing ships at night. The Type 98s were soon diverted from patrol to communications and transport duties.

Variants

E11A1 : Night reconnaissance flying boat for the Imperial Japanese Navy. Production version.

Specifications (Aichi E11A1)

Data from Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume Five: Flying Boats

General characteristics

Crew: Three
Length: 10.71 m (35 ft 1¾ in)
Wingspan: 14.49 m (47 ft 6½ in)
Height: 4.52 m (18 ft 0½ in)
Wing area: 46.40 m² (499 ft²)
Empty weight: 1,927 kg (4,248 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 3,297 kg (7,033 lb)
Powerplant: 1x— Hiro Type 91 Mk.22 water-cooled, V-12 piston engine, 455 kW (620 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 217 km/h (117 kn, 135 mph)
Range: 2,063 km (1,284 m)
Service ceiling: 4,425 m (14,520 ft)

Armament

1 x— 7.7 mm (.303 in) Type 92 machine gun

Comparable aircraft

Aichi E10A Type 96

Bibliography

Francillon, René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1970 (2nd edition 1979). ISBN 0-370-30251-6. Pages 489-490.
Green, William. Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume Five: Flying Boats. London: Macdonald & Co.(Publishers) Ltd., 1962 (5th impression 1972). ISBN 0-356-01449-5. Pages 124-125.

Aichi E11A Pictures and Aichi E11A for Sale.

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Source: WikiPedia