AICHI E 11 LAURA

In 1936, the Japanese fleet command asked the Aichi and Kawanishi factories to develop a new reconnaissance flying boat that could take off from catapults installed on board cruisers and battleships to replace the obsolete Aichi E10A aircraft. In July 1937. the Aichi E11A1 flying boat (also designated as "Navy Type 98 Reconnaissance Seaplane") was tested. This plane turned out to be better than the competing Kawanishi E11K1, which only exceeded it by higher speed in level flight. However, the E11A attempts were extended until 1940. As a result, only 17 Aichi E11A1s were created, which were used until 1942. The Allies codenamed them "Laura". All 17 units were powered by the 620HP Hiro Type 91 Model 22 engine. Technical data: length: 10.71 m, wingspan: 14.49 m, height: 4.52 m, maximum speed: 217 km / h, maximum range: 2063 km, maximum ceiling 4425 m, armament: permanent - 1 machine gun type 92 cal.7 , 7mm.