Aichi M6A-1

The Aichi M6A-1 Seiran was to be housed and released from Japanese Navy I-400 class submarines.

This oft-forgotten Aichi design was classified as an attack floatplane that was designed to be carried aboard the Japanese Navy I-400 class submarines. The aircraft was held in water-tight containers until implemented into flight when the submarine submerged. The design was in full production in 1945, with the aircraft and its submarine counterparts being readied for a brazen attack on the Panama Canal when the twin atomic bombs were dropped on Japan, effectively ending the was in the Pacific and derailing further production of the Seiran.

The Aichi M6A Seiran (translated as "Mountain Haze") was a single engine design, powered by a Atsuta 32 inline piston engine of 1,400 horsepower driving a three-blade propeller assembly. Crew accommodations amounted to one personnel and standard armament is known to consist of a single 500lb bomb, mounted under the fuselage presumably. Design of the aircraft consisted of a low-monoplane type with a single rudder aft. The cockpit was situated at center above the wing roots.

A land-based derivative known as the M6A1K "Seiran Kai" was utilized for pilot training purposes. Landing gear was of the standard two-front with a tail wheel at rear for this land-based variant.

Specifications for the Aichi M6A1 Seiran

Dimensions:
Length: 34.88ft (10.63m)
Width: 40.22ft (12.26m)
Height: 15.03ft (4.58m)

Performance: (About MACH)
Maximum Speed: 295mph (474kmh; 256kts)
Maximum Range: 1,243miles (2,000km)
Rate-of-Climb: 0ft/min (0m/min)
Service Ceiling: 32,480ft (9,900m; 6.2miles)

Armament Suite:
Up to 1,800lb in bombs OR 1 x Torpedo
Structure:
Accommodation: 2
Hardpoints: 1
Empty Weight:7,412lbs (3,362kg)
Maximum Take-Off Weight:9,370lbs (4,250kg)

Powerplant:
Engine(s): 1 x Aichi Atsuta Type 32 inline radial engine generating 1,400hp.