The Aichi E13A “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 bomb load of 550 lb. The Navy designation was “Navy Type Zero Reconnaissance Seaplane”
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.
A Japanese Aichi E13A reconnaissance seaplane.source
A Type 0 three-seat reconnaissance seaplane (Aichi E13A) was being launched from the port catapult (Type № 2 Model 5) japanese heavy cruiser Ashigara. Java Sea, May 1943.Source
Aerial view of an attack on a Japanese seaplane base. Note the planes visible: Probalby some four Mitsubishi A6M-2N “Rufe” fighters on the beach, some five Aichi E13A “Jake” reconnaissance planes (one overturned), and two wrecks, one of a 4-engined plane (H6K or H8K). The base was probably located in the Solomons or New Guinea..Source
An Imperial Japanese Navy Aichi E13A seaplane, most likely from the seaplane tender Kamikawa Maru. Location of photo is unknown but may be at Deboyne Island in May 1942 during the Battle of the Coral Sea.source
Aichi E13 Jake floatplane wreck, Kavieng harbor, New Ireland. Papua New Guinea. Source
Cockpit detail, Kavieng harbor, New Ireland. Papua New Guinea. Source
Divers next to cockpit of Aichi E13 Jake floatplane wreck, Kavieng harbor, New Ireland. Papua New Guinea. Source
