#e16a paul

[usafphantom-2]

After the war, it was requisitioned by the British forces

Zero-type Seaplane Reconnaissance Aircraft Model 11 Aichi E16A

Singapore/Seletar Airfield

RAF members loading it onto a transport truck for repairs

Main reconnaissance aircraft operated from naval ships and land bases during the war

From the mid-war period, due to insufficient speed, it was used for anti-submarine patrols and similar roles

Many were operated in overseas territories,

and about 200 aircraft remained at the end of the war

@maguro0314ss via X

[usafphantom-2]

The Zuiun was a multi-role twin-seat aircraft that served as a dive bomber while also doubling as a reconnaissance and observation aircraft. It was planned to be carried on the Yamato-class battleships as an observation aircraft in place of the canceled Fourteenth Experimental Observation Aircraft. The fact that Zuiun deployments were limited to modified Ise-class battleships and the like is partly due to production numbers, but the biggest obstacle was weight. In an overloaded state, the Zuiun could not be launched from the Kure Type 2 Model 5. For that reason, improvements to the launch performance of the Type 2 Model 5 and rocket-assisted launches were considered, but none were realized.

@matsudaHi via X

[usafphantom-2]

The Zuiun that was seized by the US military is this type. It has pylons under the wings.

@MatsudaHI via X

[usafphantom-2]

E16A Zui-un “Paul” IJN waterborne reconnaissance plane

A high-performance seaplane that can also bomb.

However, it took a long time to develop. Debut in actual combat was delayed.

@kogasyto via X

[usafphantom-2]

Good morning, everyone.

Today, I tried finishing up the seaplane "Zuiun," which was also mounted on the "Mogami" yesterday, in this style after a long time. Well then, I look forward to today as well. ZUI₍₍(ง˘ω˘)ว⁾⁾ZUI #ImperialJapaneseNavy #Zuiun #ShipSketch

@takanoisoroku via X

[usafphantom-2]

When gazing at the Zuiun airframe, one can't help but think, "What kind of performance would it have had without the floats?" However, in reality, studies were also conducted on mounting the Zuiun on the Ise-class without floats, and as of May Showa 19 [1944], the plan was still alive. The target maximum horizontal speed was 500 km/h.

@komine_bunzo via X

[usafphantom-2]

A common misunderstanding about the Kaiun is that it was the "successor to the Type 12 two-seat reconnaissance seaplane." In order to somehow make something of the Type 12 two-seat reconnaissance seaplane, which had no prospects for practical use, it was replanned and a budget was allocated for the Type 14 two-seat reconnaissance seaplane; the two projects are connected.

@kayto via X