Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul)
Imperial Japan (1944)
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The Japanese Aichi E16A series was a great all-around floatplane - though appearing too late in World War 2 to see much use.
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 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.
Any available statistics for the Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul) Reconnaissance Floatplane / Dive Bomber Aircraft are showcased in the areas immediately below. Categories include basic specifications covering country-of-origin, operational status, manufacture(s) and total quantitative production. Other qualities showcased are related to structural values (namely dimensions), installed power and standard day performance figures, installed or proposed armament and mission equipment (if any), global users (from A-to-Z) and series model variants (if any).
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
LON
LON
PAR
PAR
BER
BER
MOS
MOS
TOK
TOK
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
* Commercial Market High belongs to Cessna 172.
** Military Market High belongs to Ilyushin Il-2.
Altitude Visualization
Compare this entry against other aircraft using our Comparison Tool
Supported Mission Types:
Air-to-Air
Interception
Unmanned
Ground Attack
Close-Air Support
Training
Anti-Submarine
Anti-Ship
Airborne Early Warning
MEDEVAC
Electronic Warfare
Maritime/Navy
Aerial Tanker
Utility/Transport
Passenger Industry
VIP Travel
Business Travel
Search/Rescue
Recon/Scouting
Special Forces
X-Plane/Development
Origin: Imperial Japan
Year: 1944
Type: Reconnaissance Floatplane / Dive Bomber Aircraft
Manufacturer(s): Aichi - Japan
Production: 256
Status: Retired, Out-of-Service
Global Operators:
Imperial Japan
Imperial Japan
Historical Commitments / Honors:
* Ribbons not necessarily indicative of actual historical campaign ribbons. Ribbons are clickable to their respective campaigns/operations.
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.
Operational
CREW
Personnel
2
Dimension
LENGTH
Feet
35.53 ft
Meters
10.83 m
Dimension
WIDTH
Feet
42.03 ft
Meters
12.81 m
Dimension
HEIGHT
Feet
15.72 ft
Meters
4.79 m
Weight
LOADED
Pounds
10,053 lb
Kilograms
4,560 kg
1 x Mitsubishi Kinsei 54 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine developing 1,300 horsepower.
Performance
SPEED
Miles-per-Hour
273 mph
Kilometers-per-Hour
439 kph
Knots
237 kts
Performance
RANGE
Miles
1,491 mi
Kilometers
2,400 km
Nautical Miles
1,296 nm
Performance
CEILING
Feet
32,808 ft
Meters
10,000 m
Miles
6.21 mi
Supported Weapon Systems:
Armament - Hardpoints (1):
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.
• E16A - Base Series Designation
• E16A-1 - Only production version produced.