Appendix 6

        Principal Naval Aircraft

This appendix is divided into two sections: early aircraft and aircraft of the Pacific War. The first section lists the principal combat aircraft types found in the Imperial Japanese Navy from 1921 until the outbreak of the Pacific War. In most cases the aircraft illustrated is the last variant of a given model. The second section lists the principal combat aircraft types in the Imperial Japanese Navy designed and in production at the outbreak of the war on 8 December 1941. In those cases where an aircraft had multiple active variants (including noncombatant variants such as trainers and transports), only the latest combat variant fielded at the outbreak of the war is listed.

Each aircraft listed here is identified with the symbol • where first discussed in the text. Information for this appendix was drawn from the following sources: NKS; Mikesh and Abe, Japanese Aircraft; Francillon, Japanese Aircraft; and Hasegawa, Nihon no kōkūbōkan.

SECTION 1: EARLY AIRCRAFT

FIGHTERS

Fig. A6-1. Mitsubishi 1MF3 Type 10 carrier fighter

Fig. A6-1. Mitsubishi 1MF3 Type 10 carrier fighter

            Mitsubishi 1MF3

Official designation:

Type 10 carrier fighter

Description:

Single-engined single-seat biplane carrier-borne fighter of wooden construction and fabric covering

Crew:

1

Power plant:

300hp Mitsubishi 8-cylinder water-cooled engine

Armament:

2 forward-firing fixed 7.7mm machine guns

            Dimensions

Span:

27ft 10.5in

Length:

22ft 7.5in

Height:

10ft 2in

            Weight

Empty:

2,073lb

Loaded:

2,821lb

Wing loading:

8.438lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

132mph

Cruising speed:

?

Climb:

9,843ft in 10min

Service ceiling:

22,963ft

Endurance:

2.5hrs

NOTES: One of three types of aircraft whose designs were drawn up in the early 1920s with the assistance of British engineers and under Mitsubishi’s first contract with the navy. The first aircraft to undertake flight operations from the deck of Japan’s first carrier, the Hōshō.

Fig. A6-2. Nakajima A1N1 Type 3 carrier fighter

Fig. A6-2. Nakajima A1N1 Type 3 carrier fighter

            Nakajima A1N1

Official designation:

Type 3 carrier fighter

Description:

Single-engined single-seat biplane fighter of wooden structure and fabric covering

Crew:

1

Power plant:

420hp Nakajima Jupiter VI 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine

Armament:

2 forward-firing side-mounted 7.7mm machine guns

Bomb load:

2 × 30kg (66lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

31ft 9in

Length:

21ft 3.5in

Height:

10ft 8in

            Weight

Empty:

2,094lb

Loaded:

3,196lb

Wing loading:

11.3lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

148mph

Cruising speed:

92mph

Range:

200nm

Endurance:

2.5hrs

NOTES: This aircraft had its origin in a modified version of the Gloster Gamecock fighter. It was the first Nakajima naval fighter and the best fighter in Japan at the time of its appearance. An improved version, the A1N2, was adopted in 1930. Saw combat during the fighting in Shanghai in February 1932.

Fig. A6-3. Nakajima A2N1 Type 90 carrier fighter

Fig. A6-3. Nakajima A2N1 Type 90 carrier fighter

            Nakajima A2N1

Official designation:

Type 90 carrier fighter

Description:

Single-engined single-seat biplane fighter; all-metal fuselage with wood and metal fabric-covered wings

Crew:

1

Power plant:

460–580hp Nakajima Kotobuki 2 9-cylinder air-cooled radial engine

Armament:

2 forward-firing fixed 7.7mm machine guns

            Dimensions

Span:

30ft 9in

Length:

20ft 3.25in

Height:

9ft 11in

            Weight

Empty:

2,303lb

Loaded:

3,417lb

Wing loading:

11.3lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

182mph

Cruising speed:

104mph

Climb:

9,843ft in 5min 45sec

Service ceiling:

29,527ft

Range:

270nm

Endurance:

3hrs

NOTES: The first Japanese fighter that was equal in performance to the world’s best fighters of the time. Used by the navy’s acrobatic teams of the early 1930s.

Fig. A6-4. Nakajima A4N1 Type 95 carrier fighter

Fig. A6-4. Nakajima A4N1 Type 95 carrier fighter

            Nakajima A4N1

Official designation:

Type 95 carrier fighter

Description:

Single-engined single-seat biplane fighter; metal structure with fabric covering

Crew:

1

Power plant:

670–730hp Nakjajima Hikari 1 9-cylinder air- cooled radial engine

Armament:

2 forward-firing fixed 7.7mm machine guns

Bomb load:

2 × 30kg or 60kg (66lb or 132lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

32ft 9.5in

Length:

21ft 9.25in

Height:

10ft 1in

            Weight

Empty:

2,813lb

Loaded:

3,380lb

Wing loading:

15.74lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

219mph

Cruising speed:

145mph

Climb:

9,843ft in 3min 30sec

Service ceiling:

25,393ft

Range:

457nm

Endurance:

3.5hrs

NOTES: Was the navy’s first-line fighter at the opening of the war in China. As the last of the navy’s biplane fighters, it was replaced by the Mitsubishi A5M Type 96 carrier fighter (q.v.).

ATTACK AIRCRAFT

Fig. A6-5. Mitsubishi B1M1 Type 13 carrier attack aircraft

Fig. A6-5. Mitsubishi B1M1 Type 13 carrier attack aircraft

            Mitsubishi B1M1

Official designation:

Type 13 carrier attack aircraft

Description:

Single-engined 3-seat biplane attack bomber; wooden structure with fabric covering; rearward-folding wings for carrier stowage

Crew:

2 or 3

Power plant:

450 Napier Lion 12-cylinder water-cooled engine

Armament:

Twin dorsal flexible 7.7mm machine gun and 2 forward-firing 7.7mm machine guns

Bomb load:

1 × 18in torpedo or 2 × 240kg (529lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

48ft 5.5in

Length:

32ft 1in

Height:

11ft 6in

            Weight

Empty:

3,179lb

Loaded:

5,945lb

Wing loading:

9.339lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

130mph

Service ceiling:

14,763ft

Climb:

9,843ft in 20min (Type 13-2)

Endurance:

2.6hrs

NOTES: Adopted by the navy in the late 1920s, this aircraft remained the navy’s all-round combat aircraft until the beginning of Japan’s war in China.

Fig. A6-6. Mitsubishi B2M1 Type 89 carrier attack aircraft

Fig. A6-6. Mitsubishi B2M1 Type 89 carrier attack aircraft

            Mitsubishi B2M1

Official designation:

Type 89 carrier attack aircraft

Description:

Single-engined 2-bay biplane attack bomber; steel and aluminum construction with fabric covering; rearward-folding wings for carrier stowage

Crew:

3

Power plant:

650 Mitsubishi Type Hi 12-cylinder water-cooled engine

Armament:

1 forward-firing (from fuselage side) 7.7mm machine gun and 1 dorsal flexible 7.7mm machine gun

Bomb load:

1 Type 91 or Type 94 torpedo, or 1 × 800kg (1,763lb) bomb

            Dimensions

Span:

49ft 11.25in

Length:

33ft 8.5in

Height:

12ft 2in

            Weight

Empty:

4,982lb

Loaded:

9,936lb

Wing loading:

13.4lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

132mph

Climb:

9,843ft in 18 min

Range:

960nm

Endurance:

?

NOTES: Adapted from a British Blackburn design, this aircraft was conceived by the navy as a replacement for the Mitsubishi B1M Type 13 carrier attack aircraft (q.v.). Although over two hundred were built between 1930 and 1935, this aircraft was not a success because of stability, engine, and other problems.

Fig. A6-7. Yokosuka B3Y1 Type 92 carrier attack aircraft

Fig. A6-7. Yokosuka B3Y1 Type 92 carrier attack aircraft

            Yokosuka B3Y1

Official designation:

Type 92 carrier attack aircraft

Description:

Single-engined 3-seat biplane attack bomber; welded steel tube fuselage structure with fabric covering; rearward-folding wings for carrier stowage

Crew:

3

Power plant:

600–750hp Type 91 12-cylinder water-cooled engine

Armament:

1 fuselage-mounted forward-firing fixed 7.7mm machine gun and 1 dorsal flexible 7.7mm machine gun

Bomb load:

1 × 800kg (1,763lb) torpedo, or 2 × 250kg (551lb) bombs, or 6 × 30kg (66lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

44ft 3.25in

Length:

31ft 2in

Height:

12ft 2.75in

            Weight

Empty:

4,078lb

Loaded:

7,054lb

Wing loading:

13.1lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

136mph

Endurance:

4.5hrs

NOTES: Adopted by the navy in 1933 as a replacement for the Mitsubishi B2M Type 89 carrier attack aircraft (q.v.), this aircraft encountered numerous engine problems. It had a certain success at the beginning of the Japanese war in China, however, in horizontal bombardment against land targets.

Fig. A6-8. Yokosuka B4Y1 Type 96 carrier attack aircraft

Fig. A6-8. Yokosuka B4Y1 Type 96 carrier attack aircraft

            Yokosuka B4Y1

Official designation:

Type 96 carrier attack aircraft

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Jean”

Description:

Single-engined 3-seat biplane torpedo bomber; all-metal structure with light alloy and fabric covering

Crew:

3

Power plant:

600hp Hirō Type 91 air-cooled radial engine

Armament:

1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm machine gun

Bomb load:

1 × 800kg (1,764lb) torpedo or 500kg (1,102lb) of bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

49ft 2in

Length:

33ft 3in

Height:

14ft 3in

            Weight

Empty:

4,409lb

Loaded:

7,937lb

Wing loading:

14.7lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

173mph

Climb:

9,845ft in 14 min

Service ceiling:

19,685ft

Range:

850nm

NOTES: Acquired in 1936 by the navy as a replacement for the Yokosuka B3Y Type 92 carrier attack aircraft (q.v.), which had proved unreliable. Saw service in the early stages of the China War and operated on Japanese carriers until 1940.

RECONNAISSANCE AIRCRAFT

Fig. A6-9. Mitsubishi 2MR1 Type 10 carrier reconnaissance aircraft

Fig. A6-9. Mitsubishi 2MR1 Type 10 carrier reconnaissance aircraft

            Mitsubishi 2MR1

Official designation:

Type 10 carrier reconnaissance aircraft

Description:

Single-engined 2-seat reconnaissance biplane; wooden construction with fabric covering

Crew:

2

Power plant:

300hp Mitsubishi 8-cylinder water-cooled engine

Armament:

2 forward-firing fixed 7.7mm machine guns and twin dorsal flexible 7.7mm machine guns

Bomb load:

3 × 30kg (66lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

39ft 6in

Length:

26ft 0in

Height:

9ft 6in

            Weight

Empty:

2,160lb

Loaded:

2,910lb

Wing loading:

7.168lb/sq ft

            Performance

Maximum speed:

127mph

Climb:

9,843ft in 17min

Endurance:

3.5hrs

NOTES: This aircraft was acquired by the navy in 1922, and production continued until 1930. After it was withdrawn as an operational aircraft it was used for a number of years as a trainer.

DIVE BOMBERS

Fig. A6-10. Aichi D1A2 Type 96 carrier bomber

Fig. A6-10. Aichi D1A2 Type 96 carrier bomber

            Aichi D1A2

Official designation:

Type 96 carrier bomber

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Susie”

Description:

Single-engined 2-seat carrier-borne biplane dive-bomber

Crew:

2 (pilot, radio operator/gunner)

Power plant:

1 Nakajima Hikari 9-cylinder air-cooled radial, 730hp at takeoff, driving a 2-bladed propeller

Armament:

2 fixed forward-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine guns and 1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

1 × 250kg (551lb) bomb under the fuselage and 2 × 30kg (66lb) bombs under the wings

            Dimensions

Span:

37ft 4in

Length:

30ft 6in

Height:

11ft 2in

            Weight

Empty:

3,342lb

Loaded:

5,512lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

192mph at 10,500ft

Cruising speed:

138mph at 3,280ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 7min 51sec

Service ceiling:

22,900ft

Range:

500nm

NOTES: This aircraft was originally designated the Aichi D1A1 and was adopted by the navy in 1934 as the Type 94 carrier bomber. In 1935 Aichi designed the improved version of the aircraft shown here, the Aichi D1A2, which was accepted by the navy as the Type 96 carrier bomber. Although it was technically still an active combat aircraft at the outset of the Pacific War, it served in second-line units only.

SECTION 2: AIRCRAFT OF THE PACIFIC WAR

FIGHTERS

Fig. A6-11. Mitsubishi A5M4 Type 96 carrier fighter

Fig. A6-11. Mitsubishi A5M4 Type 96 carrier fighter

            Mitsubishi A5M4

Official designation:

Type 96 carrier fighter

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Claude”

Description:

Single-engined single-seat carrier-borne fighter; trainer version (A5M4-K) also produced

Crew:

1

Power plant:

1 Nakajima Kotobuki 41 or 41 KAI 9-cylinder air- cooled radial, 710hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

2 × 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns

Bomb load:

2 × 30kg (66lb) bombs or 1 × 160-liter (35.2-imp-gal) drop tank

            Dimensions

Span:

36ft 1in

Length:

24ft 10in

Height:

10ft 6in

            Weight

Empty:

2,681lb

Loaded:

3,684lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

270mph at 9,845ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 3min 35sec

Service ceiling:

32,150ft

Range:

648nm

NOTES: Obsolescent but still in use in some front-line units (such as the carrier Ryūjō) during the early portions of the war.

Fig. A6-12. Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Type 0 carrier fighter

Fig. A6-12. Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Type 0 carrier fighter

            Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21

Official designation:

Type 0 carrier fighter

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Zeke”

Description:

Single-engined single-seat carrier-borne and land- based fighter

Crew:

1

Power plant:

1 Nakajima NK1C Sakae 12 14-cylinder air- cooled radial, 940hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

2 × 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns and 2 × 20mm Type 99 cannon

Bomb load:

2 × 60kg (132lb) bombs, 1 × 330-liter (72.6-imp- gal) drop tank

            Dimensions

Span:

39ft 4in

Length:

29ft 8in

Height:

11ft 6in

            Weight

Empty:

3,704lb

Loaded:

5,313lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

332mph at 14,930ft

Cruising speed:

207mph

Climb:

19,685ft in 7min 27sec

Service ceiling:

32,810ft

Range:

1,010nm (1,675nm max)

NOTES: The standard carrier and land-based naval fighter at the outbreak of the war.

ATTACK AIRCRAFT

Fig. A6-13. Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 carrier attack aircraft

Fig. A6-13. Nakajima B5N2 Type 97 carrier attack aircraft

            Nakajima B5N2

Official designation:

Type 97 carrier attack aircraft

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Kate”

Description:

Single-engined 3-seat carrier-borne torpedo bomber

Crew:

3 (pilot, observer/navigator/bomb aimer, radio operator/gunner)

Power plant:

1 Nakajima NK1B Sakae 11 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, 1,000hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

1 × 800kg (1,764lb) torpedo or 800kg (1,764lb) of bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

50ft 10in

Length:

33ft 9in

Height:

12ft 1in

            Weight

Empty:

5,024lb

Loaded:

8,378lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

235mph at 11,810ft

Cruising speed:

161mph at 11,810ft

Climb:

9,845 in 7min 40sec

Service ceiling:

27,100ft

Range:

528nm (1,075nm max)

NOTES: At the outbreak of the Pacific War, B5N2s equipped all front-line carrier units. Older B5N1s were still in service in second-line units.

DIVE BOMBERS

Fig. A6-14. Aichi D3A1 Type 99 carrier bomber

Fig. A6-14. Aichi D3A1 Type 99 carrier bomber

            Aichi D3A1

Official designation:

Type 99 carrier bomber

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Val”

Description:

Single-engined 2-seat carrier-borne and land-based dive bomber

Crew:

2

Power plant:

1 Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, 1,000hp at takeoff, or Mitsubishi Kinsei 44 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, 1,070hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

2 forward-firing 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns and 1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

1 × 250kg (551lb) bomb under the fuselage and 2 × 60kg (132lb) bombs under the wings

            Dimensions

Span:

47ft 1in

Length:

33ft 5in

Height:

12ft 7in

            Weight

Empty:

5,309lb

Loaded:

8,047lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

240mph at 9,845ft

Cruising speed:

184mph at 9,845ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 6min 0sec

Service ceiling:

30,050ft

Range:

795nm

NOTES: D3A1s equipped all front-line carrier dive-bomber formations at the beginning of the Pacific War.

FLOATPLANES

Fig. A6-15. Kawanishi E7K2 Type 94 reconnaissance seaplane

Fig. A6-15. Kawanishi E7K2 Type 94 reconnaissance seaplane

            Kawanishi E7K2

Official designation:

Type 94 reconnaissance seaplane

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Alf”

Description:

Single-engined 3-seat biplane twin-float reconnaissance seaplane

Crew:

3

Power plant:

1 Mitsubishi Zuisei 11 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, 870hp at takeoff, driving a 2-bladed propeller

Armament:

1 forward-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun, 1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun, and 1 flexible downward-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

4 × 30kg (66lb) bombs or 2 × 60kg (132lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

45ft 11in

Length:

34ft 5in

Height:

15ft 10in

            Weight

Empty:

4,630lb

Loaded:

7,275lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

171mph at 6,560ft

Cruising speed:

115mph at 3,280ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 9min 6sec

Service ceiling:

23,165ft

Endurance:

11.32hrs

NOTES: Obsolescent but still used in front-line roles until 1943.

Fig. A6-16. Nakajima E8N2 Type 95 reconnaissance seaplane

Fig. A6-16. Nakajima E8N2 Type 95 reconnaissance seaplane

            Nakajima E8N2

Official designation:

Type 95 reconnaissance seaplane

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Dave”

Description:

Single-engined 2-seat biplane reconnaissance seaplane

Crew:

2

Power plant:

1 Nakajima Kotobuki 2 KAI 2 9-cylinder air- cooled radial, 630hp at takeoff, driving a 2-bladed propeller

Armament:

1 fixed forward-firing 7.7mm machine gun and 1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm machine gun

Bomb load:

2 × 60kg (132lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

36ft 0in

Length:

28ft 10in

Height:

12ft 7in

            Weight

Empty:

2,910lb

Loaded:

4,189lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

186mph at 9,845ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 6min 31sec

Service ceiling:

23,850ft

Range:

485nm

NOTES: This aircraft appeared in the mid-1930s as a catapult-launched light reconnaissance floatplane operating principally off battleships and cruisers. During the early stages of Japan’s war in China it saw action largely as a reconnaissance aircraft and as a spotter for artillery fire but also occasionally as a dive bomber. After it was replaced early in the Pacific War by more modern floatplanes, it was retained for liaison and training purposes.

Fig. A6-17. Mitsubishi F1M2 Type 0 observation seaplane

Fig. A6-17. Mitsubishi F1M2 Type 0 observation seaplane

            Mitsubishi F1M2

Official designation:

Type 0 observation seaplane

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Pete”

Description:

Single-engined 2-seat biplane observation float seaplane; also produced in trainer version (F1M2-K)

Crew:

2 (pilot, radio operator/gunner)

Power plant:

1 Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, 875hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

2 fixed forward-firing 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns and 1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

2 × 60kg (132lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

36ft 1in

Length:

31ft 2in

Height:

13ft 1in

            Weight

Empty:

4,251lb

Loaded:

5,622lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

230mph at 11,285ft

Climb:

16,405ft in 9min 36sec

Service ceiling:

30,970ft

Range:

400nm

NOTES: Conceived as a replacement for the Nakajima E8N2 reconnaissance seaplane, this aircraft was produced in large quantities for the navy. It was originally designed as a short-range observation floatplane operating from cruisers, seaplane tenders, and shore bases. But its maneuverability and the exigencies the navy faced in the Pacific War led to its use across a range of functions: interceptor fighter, dive bomber, coastal patrol aircraft, and convoy escort.

Fig. A6-18. Aichi E13A1 Type 0 reconnaissance seaplane

Fig. A6-18. Aichi E13A1 Type 0 reconnaissance seaplane

            Aichi E13A1

Official designation:

Type 0 reconnaissance seaplane

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Jake”

Description:

Single-engined 3-seat twin-float reconnaissance seaplane

Crew:

3

Power plant:

1 Mitsubishi Kinsei 43 14-cylinder air-cooled radial, 1,000hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

1 × 250kg (551lb) bomb under the fuselage, or 4 × 60kg (132lb) bombs, or depth charges

            Dimensions

Span:

47ft 6in

Length:

37ft 0in

Height:

24ft 3in

            Weight

Empty:

5,825lb

Loaded:

8,025lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

234mph at 7,155ft

Cruising speed:

138mph at 6,560ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 6min 5sec

Service ceiling:

28,640ft

Range:

1,128nm

NOTES: Designed as a replacement for the Kawanishi E7K2 in the late 1930s, this aircraft went into production in early 1941 and was eventually produced in greater numbers than any other Japanese floatplane. Its outstanding feature was an endurance of almost fifteen hours. Operating from battleships, cruisers, and seaplane tenders, it participated in the navy’s aerial assault on railways and antishipping patrols along the south China coast in late 1941 and flew reconnaissance missions during the navy’s Hawai’ian operation.

Fig. A6-19. Yokosuka E14Y1 Type 0 small reconnaissance seaplane

Fig. A6-19. Yokosuka E14Y1 Type 0 small reconnaissance seaplane

            Yokosuka E14Y1

Official designation:

Type 0 small reconnaissance seaplane

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Glen”

Description:

Single-engined 2-seat submarine-borne twin-float reconnaissance seaplane

Crew:

2

Power plant:

1 Hitachi Tempu 12 9-cylinder air-cooled radial, 340hp at takeoff, driving a 2-bladed propeller

Armament:

1 flexible rear-firing 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun

Bomb load:

60kg (132lb) of bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

36ft 1in

Length:

28ft 0in

Height:

12ft 5in

            Weight

Empty:

2,469lb

Loaded:

3,197lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

153mph at sea level

Cruising speed:

104mph at 3,280ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 10min 11sec

Service ceiling:

17,780ft

Range:

476nm

NOTES: This small seaplane, designed to be carried aboard the navy’s largest submarines for reconnaissance purposes, could be easily disassembled for storage in a watertight hangar aboard the submarine. It had two noteworthy appearances during the Pacific War. The first was its dawn reconnaissance over Pearl Harbor on 17 December 1941 to assess the damage inflicted by the navy’s earlier attack on the warships and facilities there. The second was an attempt by an E14Y1, flying off a submarine, to firebomb the Oregon forests in August 1942, the only time Japanese forces ever struck at the American mainland.

Fig. A6-20. Nakajima A6M2-N Type 2 seaplane fighter

Fig. A6-20. Nakajima A6M2-N Type 2 seaplane fighter

            Nakajima A6M2-N

Official designation:

Type 2 seaplane fighter

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Rufe”

Description:

Single-engined single-seat float seaplane fighter

Crew:

1

Power plant:

1 Nakajima NK1C Sakae 12 14-cylinder air- cooled radial, 940hp at takeoff, driving a 3-bladed propeller

Armament:

2 × 7.7mm Type 97 machine guns and 2 × 20mm Type 99 cannon

Bomb load:

2 × 60kg (132lb) bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

39ft 4in

Length:

33ft 1in

Height:

14ft 1in

            Weight

Empty:

4,235lb

Loaded:

5,423lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

270mph at 16,405ft

Cruising speed:

184mph at 16,405ft

Climb:

16,405ft in 6min 43sec

Service ceiling:

32,810ft

Range:

620nm (963nm max)

NOTES: This aircraft was conceived by the navy in 1940 as a single-seat fighter seaplane to provide air cover in the early stages of amphibious landings in the Japanese offensives in Southeast Asia and the southwestern Pacific, or on small islands, such as Tulagi in the Solomons, where construction of airfields was not practical. Under navy instructions it was produced by Nakajima as a floatplane version of the Mitsubishi A6M2. In this offensive role it served effectively at the outset of the Pacific War, but functioning defensively as an interceptor when the tide of war turned against Japan, it was hardly a match for land-based Allied fighters.

FLYING BOATS

            Kawanishi H6K4

Official designation:

Type 97 flying boat

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Mavis”

Description:

4-engined long-range reconnaissance flying boat; also produced in transport version (H6K2-L and H6K3)

Crew:

8

Power plant:

4 Mitsubishi Kinsei 46 14-cylinder air-cooled radials, 930hp at takeoff, driving 3-bladed propellers

Armament:

1 flexible 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun in an open bow position, 1 flexible 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun in an open dorsal position, 1 × 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun in each beam blister, and 1 flexible 20mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon in a tail turret

Bomb load:

2 × 800kg (1,764lb) torpedoes or up to 1,000kg (2,205lb) of bombs

            Dimensions

Span:

131ft 2in

Length:

84ft 0in

Height:

20ft 6in

Fig. A6-21. Kawanishi H6K4 Type 97 flying boat

Fig. A6-21. Kawanishi H6K4 Type 97 flying boat

            Weight

Empty:

25,810lb

Loaded:

37,479lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

211mph at 13,125ft

Cruising speed:

138mph at 12,125ft

Climb:

16,405ft in 13min 31sec

Service ceiling:

31,530ft

Range:

2,590nm (3,283nm max)

NOTES: The H6K4 (Type 97 Model 2-2) was the major production version of this aircraft at the beginning of the Pacific War. Earlier variants included H6K2 and H6K3.

            Kawanishi H8K1

Official designation:

Type 2 flying boat

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Emily”

Description:

4-engined long-range reconnaissance flying boat

Crew:

9

Power plant:

4 Mitsubishi MK4A Kasei 12 14-cylinder air- cooled radials, 1,530hp at takeoff, driving 4- bladed propellers

Armament:

20mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon in dorsal and tail turrets, and 7.7mm Type 92 machine guns in 2 beam blisters, ventral and cockpit hatches, and bow turret

Bomb load:

2 × 800kg (1,764lb) torpedoes, or 8 × 250kg (551lb) bombs, or 16 × 60kg (132lb) bombs, or depth charges

            Dimensions

Span:

124ft 8in

Length:

92ft 3in

Height:

30ft 0in

            Weight

Empty:

34,176lb

Loaded:

54,013lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

269mph at 16,405ft

Cruising speed:

184mph at 13,145ft

Climb:

16,405ft in 14min 33sec

Service ceiling:

25,035ft

Range:

3,888nm

NOTES: The first production versions of this aircraft were just being delivered as war broke out.

Fig. A6-22. Kawanishi H8K1 Type 2 flying boat

Fig. A6-22. Kawanishi H8K1 Type 2 flying boat

LAND-BASED ATTACK BOMBERS

            Mitsubishi G3M2 Model 22

Official designation:

Type 96 attack bomber

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Nell”

Description:

Twin-engined land-based bomber; transport variant (L3Y) also produced

Crew:

7

Power plant:

2 Mitsubishi Kinsei 42 14-cylinder air-cooled radials, 1,075hp at takeoff, driving either 4-bladed fixed-pitch propellers or 3-bladed variable-pitch propellers; or 2 Mitsubishi Kinsei 45 14-cylinder air-cooled radials, 1,075hp at takeoff, driving 3- bladed variable-pitch propellers

Armament:

1 flexible 20mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon in a dorsal turret, and 1 flexible 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun in each of the beam blisters and a retractable dorsal turret; a flexible 7.7mm Type 92 machine gun could also be fired from the cockpit windows

Bomb load:

1 × 800kg (1,764lb) torpedo or 800kg (1,764lb) of bombs carried externally

            Dimensions

Span:

82ft 0in

Length:

53ft 11in

Height:

12ft 1in

            Weight

Empty:

10,936lb

Loaded:

17,637lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

232mph at 13,715ft

Cruising speed:

173mph at 13,125ft

Climb:

9,845ft in 8min 19sec

Service ceiling:

29,950ft

Range:

2,365nm

Fig. A6-23. Mitsubishi G3M2 Model 22 Type 96 attack bomber

Fig. A6-23. Mitsubishi G3M2 Model 22 Type 96 attack bomber

            Mitsubishi G4M1 Model 11

Official designation:

Type 1 attack bomber

Subsequent Allied code name:

“Betty”

Description:

Twin-engined land-based bomber

Crew:

7

Power plant:

2 Mitsubishi MK4A Kasei 11 14-cylinder air- cooled radials, 1,530hp at takeoff, driving 3- bladed propellers; or 2 Mitsubishi MK4E Kasei 15 14-cylinder air-cooled radials, 1,530hp at takeoff, driving 3-bladed propellers

Armament:

7.7mm Type 92 machine guns in nose, dorsal blister, and beam blister positions, and 20mm Type 99 Model 1 cannon in tail turret

Bomb load:

1 × 800kg (1,764lb) torpedo or 800kg (1,764lb) of bombs carried internally

            Dimensions

Span:

82ft 0in

Length:

65ft 7in

Height:

19ft 8in

            Weight

Empty:

14,991lb

Loaded:

20,944lb

            Performance

Maximum speed:

276mph at 13,780ft

Cruising speed:

196mph at 9,845ft

Climb:

22,965ft in 18min

Service ceiling:

30,000ft (approx)

Range:

3,256nm

Fig. A6-24. Mitsubishi G4M1 Model 11 Type 1 attack bomber

Fig. A6-24. Mitsubishi G4M1 Model 11 Type 1 attack bomber