Aichi E16A Zuiun (Paul)
Technical Information


Background
Built by Aichi E16A Zuiun 瑞雲 meaning "Auspicious Cloud". Allied codename 'Paul'. The first of three prototypes was flown for the first time during May 1942, but the resolution of stability problems, and of buffeting from the dive brakes occupied 15 months, The navy ordering the E16A1 into production in August 1943 as the Navy Reconnaissance Seaplane Zuiun Model 11. The E16A1 had wings that incorporated trailing-edge flaps, and which could be folded for shipboard stowage. The forward mounting strut of the floats incorporated by hydraulically-actuated dive brakes to allow the E16A1 to operate as a dive-bomber.

Service
The E16A was operated by the 301 Kokutai (301 Air Group), 634 Kokutai (634 Air Group) and Yokosuka Kōkutai (Yokosuka Air Group). The majority that survived until the end of the Pacific War were pressed into service for Kamikaze operations against Allied warships off Okinawa.

Production
Production totalled 193 E16A1 production aircraft by Aichi Kokuki KK at Eitoku and 59 E16A1 production aircraft by Nipon Hikoki KK at Tomioka.

Technical Details
Crew  Two
Engine  Mitsubishi MK8P Kinsei 62 14-cylinder air-cooled radial with three bladed propeller
Span  42' 1/4"
Length  35' 6 1/2"
Height  15' 8 1/2"
Maximum Speed  273 mph
Range  1,504 miles
Armament  (wings) 2 x 20mm cannons (rear) 13mm machine gun
Bombload   551 lbs (250 kg) of bombs carried externally on underfuselage mountings