Aichi E13A

The Aichi E13A (Allied reporting name: "Jake") was a long-range reconnaissance seaplane used by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) from 1941 to 1945. Numerically the most important floatplane of the IJN, it could carry a crew of three and a bombload of 250 kg (550 lb). The Navy designation was "Navy Type Zero Reconnaissance Seaplane" (零式水上偵察機).

In China, it operated from seaplane tenders and cruisers. Later, it was used as a scout for the Attack on Pearl Harbor, and was encountered in combat by the United States Navy during the Battles of Coral Sea and Midway. It was in service throughout the conflict, for coastal patrols, strikes against navigation, liaison, officer transports, castaway rescues, and other missions, along with some kamikaze missions in the last days of war.

Eight examples were operated by the French Navy Air Force during the First Indochina War from 1945-1947, while others were believed to be operated by the Naval Air Arm of the Royal Thai Navy before the war. One example captured by New Zealand forces was flown by RNZAF personnel in theatre, but sank and was not repaired after a float leaked.

Versions
Prototypes and first production model, later designated Model 11. Trainer version with dual controls Redesigned floats, improved radio equipment Night-flying conversion As E13A1a, with Air-Surface radar Night-flying conversion of above Anti-surface vessel version equipped with two downward-firing belly-mounted 20 mm Type 99 Mark II cannons in addition to bombs or depth charges
 * E13A1:
 * E13A1-K:
 * E13A1a:
 * E13A1a-S:
 * E13A1b:
 * E13A1b-S:
 * E13A1c:

Production

 * Constructed by Aichi Tokei Denki KK:133
 * Constructed by Watanabe (Kyushu Hikoki KK):1,237
 * Constructed by Dai-Juichi Kaigun Kokusho: 48

Operators

 * French Navy
 * Aeronavale
 * French Air Force - Captured Japanese aircraft.
 * Imperial Japanese Navy
 * Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service
 * 🇹🇭 Thailand
 * Royal Thai Navy
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force - Captured Japanese aircraft.
 * Royal Thai Navy
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force - Captured Japanese aircraft.
 * People's Liberation Army Air Force - Captured Japanese aircraft.

Gallery
Aichi E13 floatplane wreck, sunk in Kavieng Harbor, New Ireland, Papua New Guinea