Aichi M6A1 Seiran
Technical Information

Background
Designed and built by Aichi, M6A1 Seiran (Clear Sky Storm) was the only submarine-borne aircraft ever built anywhere in the world with an offensive missions as its primary role. The wings and tail folded for storage in a watertight hanger of the I-400 Class Submarine that could accommodate two Seirans. When deployed for flight, the floatplane could be readied for flight in seven minutes by four maintenance personnel. Florescent paint was applied to all moving parts for night operations. The Seiran then warmed up and was launched by catapult off the forward deck. Five submarines were ordered with an enlarged hanger for three Seiran. These floatplanes were to be used on a special mission to bomb the Panama Canal but the operation was switch to instead attack the U.S. Navy anchorage at Ulithi Atoll but the Pacific War ended before they could be launched.

Production
About 30 Seirans were built. Likely, M6A1 Seiran 1600228 was the last built and today is displayed at NASM Udvar-Hazy Center.

Technical Details
Crew  Two (pilot / observer)
Engines  1x Aichi Atsuta 32 twelve-cylinder inverted-vee liquid-cooled engine
Span   12.2m
Length  11.64m
Height   4.58m
Maximum Speed   295 mph
Range  1,284 miles
Armament   (rear) 13mm machine gun
Bombload  2 x 250 kg or 1 x 800 kg bomb