Aichi E11A
Aichi · Japan · first flew 1937 · fighter
The Aichi E11A was a Japanese twin-float biplane designed for night reconnaissance operations with the Imperial Japanese Navy. It was a large, lumbering design optimised for long over-water patrol rather than combat performance.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.71 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Twin-float biplane flying boat
- Imperial Japanese Navy reconnaissance type
- Radial engine on parasol-like upper wing
Distinguished by its large twin-float biplane configuration with a radial engine, wide-span upper wing, and enclosed crew nacelle; the lightly-built structure and twin floats set it apart from contemporary monoplanes.
Specifications
- The Aichi E11A has a length of 10.71 m (35 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 14.49 m (48 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 217 km/h (135 mph).
- Typical crew: 3.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed in the mid-1930s to meet an IJN requirement for a long-range night reconnaissance floatplane, the E11A first flew in 1937. Production was limited due to modest performance, with only a handful of examples built. It saw brief early-war service before being retired in favour of superior types.
Variants
No significant production variants were developed; the type remained essentially unchanged throughout its short service life.
Where you'll see it
Operated exclusively by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the early Pacific War period, primarily in East Asian waters.
Related aircraft
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