Aichi H9A
Aichi · Japan · first flew 1940 · transport aircraft
The Aichi H9A was a twin-engine biplane flying boat built for the Imperial Japanese Navy as a crew trainer for flying boat operations. It was produced in small numbers during the early Second World War period.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 16.95 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Imperial Japanese Navy twin-engine training flying boat
- Biplane flying boat with large open cockpit
- Small production numbers — rare type
A conventional biplane flying boat with twin radial engines mounted between the wings, typical of 1930s-era Japanese naval aviation practice. Its training role meant it lacked military armament fittings visible on combat types.
Specifications
- The Aichi H9A has a length of 16.95 m (56 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 24 m (79 ft).
- Typical crew: 4-5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed by Aichi to train crews for the IJN's large flying boat fleet, the H9A entered service around 1940. A conventional biplane flying boat, it was not intended for combat and served solely in the training role. Fewer than 20 were built given its limited training mission and the Japanese aviation industry's focus on combat types.
Variants
Only one main production variant is documented; minor equipment differences may have existed between aircraft.
Where you'll see it
Operated at IJN flying boat training units in Japan during the Second World War; retired as the war progressed and training requirements changed.
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