Kawanishi E7K

Kawanishi Aircraft Company · Japan · first flew 1933 · light aircraft

The Kawanishi E7K was an Imperial Japanese Navy biplane floatplane used for catapult-launched reconnaissance from cruisers and battleships. Allied forces nicknamed it 'Alf', and it was widely used in the early Pacific War.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.41 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Imperial Japanese Navy three-seat biplane floatplane, called 'Alf' by Allies
Biplane with twin floats, parasol-style upper wing, large radial engine
Three-seat crew layout for observer, pilot, and rear gunner

A biplane floatplane with twin main floats, the larger upper wing in a parasol-like arrangement over the shorter lower wing, and a prominent radial engine with long-chord cowling; the three-seat open cockpit arrangement distinguishes it from single-seat floatplanes.

Specifications

The Kawanishi E7K has a length of 10.41 m (34 ft).
It has a wingspan of 14 m (46 ft).
Its maximum speed is 276 km/h (171 mph).
Typical crew: 3.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Entering IJN service in 1935, the E7K2 became the standard shipborne floatplane for a period, replacing earlier types. It served extensively over China and in the Pacific theatre until monoplane floatplanes like the Aichi E13A ('Jake') superseded it.

Variants

The E7K1 had a Hiro Type 91 water-cooled engine; the E7K2 replaced this with the Mitsubishi Zuisei radial, which was more reliable and gave the variant its 'Alf' recognition.

Where you'll see it

Embarked on IJN cruisers and battleships from 1935 into the early Pacific War; also used for coastal patrol from shore bases as newer types became available.

Related aircraft

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