Japan's Aichi E16A Zuiun (auspicious cloud, cloud of good omens)
Allied Code Name: Paul

Design

The Aichi E16A floatplane was designed to be a successor to the Aichi E13A. Development started in 1941.

The E16A was of an all metal construction except for the wing tips and the tail, which were wood.

Stop Gap Dive Bomber

The E16A was modified by installing hydraulically operated dive brakes to allow it to dive bomb with one or two 500 lb / 250 kg bombs.

Prototype

The E16A prototype flew in May 1942. In August 1943 the final prototype was built.

Production

• Prototype: 3
• Aichi E16A1: 252
  • Aichi: 193
  • Nippon-Hikoki: 59
• Aichi E16A2: 1
• Total: 256
  • Manufacturer: Aichi Kokuki K.K.

Variants

• Aichi E16A1:
• Aichi E16A2: The engine was a Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 (1,560 HP). Was in prototype stage at end of war.

Usage

Became Operational

In January 1944 the E16A became operational in the Japanese Navy. They were deployed to the Philippine Islands a few months later.

Specifications

	Aichi E16A
Type	Reconnaissance floatplane
Crew	2
Engine (Type)	Mitsubishi Kensei 51 or 54
Cylinders	Radial 14
Cooling
Net HP	1,300
Propeller blades	3
Dimensions
Span	42' 12.8 m
Length	35' 6.5" 10.83 m
Height	15' 8.5" 4.78 m
Wing area
Weight
Empty	6,493 lb 2,945 kg
Normal load	8,380 lb 3,800 kg
Maximum load	10,038 lb 4,553 kg
Performance
Speed at 18,045' / 5,500 m	274 mph 440 kph
Speed - cruising	207 mph 333 kph
Climb to 9,840' / 3,000 m	4.7 minutes
Service ceiling	32,810' 10,000 m
Range	600 miles 965 kg
Range maximum	1,504 miles 2,420 km
Armament
Wings	2: 20 mm
Rear cockpit	1: 13 mm MG
Bombs	1: 550 lb 1: 250 kg
OR	2: 550 lb 2: 250 kg