Aichi E16A Zuiun "Paul"
Aichi · Japan · first flew 1942 · fighter
The Aichi E16A Zuiun ('Auspicious Cloud') was a Japanese Imperial Navy two-seat floatplane intended to replace the E13A in the catapult-launched reconnaissance and dive-bombing role. Allied reporting name was 'Paul'.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 10.84 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-engine floatplane with large twin floats
- Allied reporting name 'Paul'
- Designed as a dive-bomber and reconnaissance floatplane
Identified by its large twin central floats, single radial engine, and mid-mounted tapered wing with dive brakes on the trailing edge.
Specifications
- The Aichi E16A Zuiun has a length of 10.84 m (36 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12.81 m (42 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 450 km/h (280 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Design began in 1940 and the prototype flew in 1942; production of some 250 aircraft followed. The type arrived too late and in insufficient numbers to affect the war's outcome, and its operational debut coincided with a period of severe Japanese reverses.
Variants
Only the E16A1 production variant reached service; a single-float experimental version was studied but not built.
Where you'll see it
Served with Japanese carrier-based and shore-based units from 1944 until the end of the war, used in kamikaze attacks in the conflict's final months.
Related aircraft
- Aichi B7A Ryusei
- Aichi H9A
- Aichi E13A
- Aichi E12A
- Bell P-59 Airacomet
- Bell P-63 Kingcobra
- Bereznyak-Isayev BI-1
- de Havilland Mosquito FB.VI
AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 5,024 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.