OVERVIEW
The Japanese Aichi E16A series was a great all-around floatplane - though appearing too late in World War 2 to see much use.
The Japanese Aichi E16A series was a great all-around floatplane - though appearing too late in World War 2 to see much use.
YEAR: 1944
STATUS: Retired, Out-of-Service
MANUFACTURER(S): Aichi - Japan
PRODUCTION: 256
OPERATORS: Imperial Japan
SPECIFICATIONS
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
Unless otherwise noted the presented statistics below pertain to the Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul) model. Common measurements, and their respective conversions, are shown when possible.
CREW: 2
LENGTH: 35.53 feet (10.83 meters)
WIDTH: 42.03 feet (12.81 meters)
HEIGHT: 15.72 feet (4.79 meters)
WEIGHT (MTOW): 10,053 pounds (4,560 kilograms)
ENGINE: 1 x Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine developing 1,300 horsepower.
SPEED (MAX): 273 miles-per-hour (439 kilometers-per-hour; 237 knots)
RANGE: 1,491 miles (2,400 kilometers; 1,296 nautical miles)
CEILING: 32,808 feet (10,000 meters; 6.21 miles)
ARMAMENT
STANDARD:
2 x 20mm cannon (forward-firing fixed in wings)
1 x 7.7mm machine gun in rear cockpit position
OPTIONAL:
Underfuselage provision for external stores.
STANDARD:
2 x 20mm cannon (forward-firing fixed in wings)
1 x 7.7mm machine gun in rear cockpit position
OPTIONAL:
Underfuselage provision for external stores.
VARIANTS
Series Model Variants
• E16A - Base Series Designation
• E16A-1 - Only production version produced.
Series Model Variants
• E16A - Base Series Designation
• E16A-1 - Only production version produced.
HISTORY
Detailing the development and operational history of the Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul) Reconnaissance Floatplane / Dive Bomber Aircraft. Entry last updated on 4/11/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
Detailing the development and operational history of the Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul) Reconnaissance Floatplane / Dive Bomber Aircraft. Entry last updated on 4/11/2018. Authored by Staff Writer. Content ©www.MilitaryFactory.com.
The E16A Zuiun (translated into "Auspicious Cloud" and codenamed "Paul" by the Allies) was a dedicated reconnaissance floatplane and part-time dive-bomber for the Empire of Japan in World War Two. The system was an excellent floatplane type by all accounts, yet appeared at a time when Allied aircraft maintained much of the Pacific skies, relegating the E16A to limited use and even more limited production figures.
The E16A was typical of the Japanese assortment of floatplanes in its arsenal. The system was devised as a direct successor to the E13A "Jake" series of floatplane, both of which were produced by the Aichi aircraft firm. The E16A has crew accommodations for two personnel, a pilot and a rear-cockpit gunner. Pontoons were fitted underside in place of traditional landing gears. Standard armament was 2 x 20mm forward-fixed cannons in the wings and a single 7.7mm machine gun for the rear gunner. An underfuselage position was utilized for strike runs, though the primary use of the aircraft was of carrier-based reconnaissance.
The Aichi E16A was powered by a single Mitsubishi three-blade MK8D Kinsei 54 14-cylinder radial piston engine and could achieve a service ceiling of nearly 33,000 feet while reaching speeds of over 270 miles per hour. Range, like its predecessor, was an impressive 1,491 miles - crucial when operating in the vast open areas of the Pacific Ocean. 256 total examples of the E16A were ever produced and of only made up of the single E16A-1 model designation.
The E16A was typical of the Japanese assortment of floatplanes in its arsenal. The system was devised as a direct successor to the E13A "Jake" series of floatplane, both of which were produced by the Aichi aircraft firm. The E16A has crew accommodations for two personnel, a pilot and a rear-cockpit gunner. Pontoons were fitted underside in place of traditional landing gears. Standard armament was 2 x 20mm forward-fixed cannons in the wings and a single 7.7mm machine gun for the rear gunner. An underfuselage position was utilized for strike runs, though the primary use of the aircraft was of carrier-based reconnaissance.
The Aichi E16A was powered by a single Mitsubishi three-blade MK8D Kinsei 54 14-cylinder radial piston engine and could achieve a service ceiling of nearly 33,000 feet while reaching speeds of over 270 miles per hour. Range, like its predecessor, was an impressive 1,491 miles - crucial when operating in the vast open areas of the Pacific Ocean. 256 total examples of the E16A were ever produced and of only made up of the single E16A-1 model designation.
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Our Data Modules allow for quick visual reference when comparing a single entry against contemporary designs. Areas covered include general ratings, speed assessments, and relative ranges based on distances between major cities.
Relative Maximum Speed Rating
Hi: 300mph
Lo: 150mph
This entry's maximum listed speed (273mph).
Graph average of 225 miles-per-hour.
City-to-City Ranges
NYC
LDN
LDN
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MSK
MSK
TKY
TKY
SYD
SYD
LAX
LAX
NYC
Graph showcases the Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul)'s operational range (on internal fuel) when compared to distances between major cities.
Aviation Era
Useful in showcasing the era cross-over of particular aircraft/aerospace designs.
Unit Production Comparison
Comm. Market HI*: 44,000 units
Military Market HI**: 36,183 units
256
256
Altitude Visualization
