Aichi M6A
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| Aichi M6A1 "Seiran" | ||
| Description | ||
| Role | Submarine-based bomber | |
| Crew | 2 | |
| First Flight | November 1943 | |
| Entered Service | ||
| Manufacturer | Aichi | |
| Dimensions | ||
| Length | 10.64 m | ft |
| Wingspan | 12.26 m | ft |
| Height | 4.58 m | ft |
| Wing area | 27.00 m² | ft² |
| Weights | ||
| Empty | 3,362 kg | lb |
| Loaded | 4,250 kg | lb |
| Maximum takeoff | kg | lb |
| Powerplant | ||
| Engine | Aichi Atsuta type 32 | |
| Power | kW | 1,400 hp |
| Performance | ||
| Maximum speed | 474 km/h | mph |
| Combat range | 2,000 km | miles |
| Ferry range | km | miles |
| Service ceiling | 9,900 m | ft |
| Rate of climb | m/min | ft/min |
| Wing loading | kg/m² | lb/ft² |
| Thrust/Weight | ||
| Power/Mass | kW/kg | hp/lb |
| Armament | ||
| Guns | 1 × 12.7 mm machine gun (cabin-mounted) | |
| Bombs | 1 × torpedo or 800 kg bombs | |
The Aichi M6A Seiran (晴嵐 - "Mountain Haze") was a submarine-launched attack floatplane designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy.
It was intended to be used with the I-400, a 4500-ton submarine dubbed a "submersible aircraft carrier". Two to three of the craft would be stowed aboard in disassembled form, and launched by catapult. The twin floats could be jettisonned, and the aircraft was essentially meant to be ditched at sea upon completion of its mission.
An alternate version with landing gear instead of floats was designated M6A1-K and named Nanzan (南山, "Southern Mountain"). While generally described as a land-based trainer, some sources indicate that it was designed for the attack role, to be launched from the submarine and then landed. Besides the difference in landing gear, the Nanzan's vertical stabilizer was clipped to balance out the weight.
The first M6A1 was completed in November 1943, and 28 examples (including M6A1-Ks) were completed by 1945. The type was never used in service. A single M6A1 has been preserved and resides at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
References
Ogawa, Toshihiko (1993). Nihon Kōkūki Daizukan, 1910-1945, Tokyo: Kokushokankōkai
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| Related Development | |
| Similar Aircraft | |
| Designation Series | |
| Related Lists | List of military aircraft of Japan |
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