Aichi M6A
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The Aichi M6A Seiran ("Clear Sky Storm") 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.
Specifications (Aichi M6A1 \"Seiran\")
References
Ogawa, Toshihiko (1993). Nihon Kōkūki Daizukan, 1910-1945, Tokyo:Related content
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