Aichi H9A1 flying boat, Navy Type 2 Training Flying Boat Model 11
Design
The Imperial Japanese Navy told Aichi in January 1940 to build a flying boat trainer. Morishige Mori designed the H9A1 between May and December 1940.
Construction
The H9A1 was of an all metal frame with allow, ply, and fabric coverings.
Crew and Students
There was room for three students in addition to the pilot, co-pilot, observer, flight engineer, and radio operator.
Armament Training
There were two 7.7 mm machine guns, one in each of the bow and dorsal positions for training. For depth charge training there was room for two.
Prototype
The first prototype was flown in September 1940. The flying and alighting characteristics were found to be lacking. To fix these problems the engines were positioned lower in the wings, flaps modified, and the span and wing area were increased.
Production
- Aichi H9A1 prototypes: 3
- Manufacturer: Aichi Kokuki K.K. at Eitoku
- Production: 1940
- Aichi H9A1, Navy Type 2 Training Flying Boat Model 11:
28
- Manufacturer: Aichi Kokuki K.K. at Eitoku (24), Nippon Hikoki K.K. Service (4)
- Production: 1942 - 1943 (Aichi), 1944 (Nippon)
Variants
- Aichi H9A1 prototypes:
- Aichi H9A1, Navy Type 2 Training Flying Boat Model 11:
Usage
Used to train flying boat crews for the Kawanishi H8K.
Sources:
- Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, René J Francillon, 1970
