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The Aichi H9A1: A Mini Sea Dragon!


Raptor425
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1941Japan-Aichi-H9A.jpg

 

Despite it's colorless operational history the Aichi H9A was noteworthy among the aircraft of the fighting powers because it was the only type of flying-boat specifically designed as a pilot and crew trainer to be placed in quantity production. Development of this aircraft began in January 1940 when the Japanese Navy instructed Aichi to design a twin engine training  flying-boat to provide training for the future crews of the high performance Kawanishi H8K1 maritime reconnaissance flying-boat.

 

Designed between May and December 1940 by a team led by Morishige Mori, the H9A1 was a parasol monoplane powered by two Nakajima Kotobuki 41 Kai 2 nine-cylinder air-cooled radials and fitted with semi retractable tricycle beaching gear. The normal crew comprised of a pilot, co-pilot, observer, flight engineer, and a radio-operator, but seating was also provided for three pupils. For armament training and to suit the aircraft for its secondary mission of anti submarine patrol, provision was made for onr flexible 7.7 mm machine gun in each of the bow and dorsal open positions and two 250 kg (551 lb) depth-charges.

 

The first three prototypes were completed and flown in September 1940, but flying and alighting characteristics were unsatisfactory. To correct this deficiency  the engines were mounted lower on the wings, the flaps were modified, and span and wing area were respectively increased from 21 m to 24 m and from 58.52 sq m to 63.3 sq m.

 

So modified, the aircraft displayed markedly improved handling characteristics and was placed in limited production at Aichi's Eitoku plant where twenty-four aircraft were designated Navy Type 2 Training Flying-Boat Model 11 were built in 1942 and 1943. Four additional aircraft were built in 1944 by Nippon Hikoki K.K. Service use was limited to training missions and some coastal patrols around Japan and the aircraft remained unknown to the Allies until 1945.

 

Technical Data

Description

Twin-engined training and anti-submarine patrol flying boat. all metal structure with light alloy, ply, and fabric covering.

 

Accommodation

Normal crew of five plus three pupils.

 

Powerplant

Two Nakajima Kotobuki 42 or 43 nine-cylinder air-cooled radials, rated at 710 hp for take-off and 610 hp at 3,000 m, driving three-bladed propellers. (production model)

 

Armament

One hand held 7.7 mm Type 92 machine gun in an open bow position and in an open dorsal position.

 

External Load

500 kg of bombs or depth charges.

 

Dimensions

Span: 24 m

Length: 16.95 m

Height: 5.25 m

Wing Area: 63.3 sq m

 

Weights

Empty: 4,900 kg

Loaded: 7,000 kg

Maximum: 7,500 kg

Wing Loading: 110.6 kg/sq m

Power Loading: 4.9 kg/hp

 

Performance

Maximum Speed: 317 kph at 3,000 m

Cruising Speed: 228 kph at 1,000 m

Climb to 3,000 m in 11 min 14 sec

Service Ceiling: 6,780 m

Range: 1,160 naut miles

 

Pictures

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Its Place in War Thunder

I believe the H9A1 would make a good Tier 1 flying boat that would be before the H6K4. If they were to ever make a flying boat line, the H9A1 could make a good starter at about a 1.3 or 1.7 BR. It doesn't have the 20 mm cannons that its big brothers have, so newer players wouldn't be blasted out of the sky instantly. It would be decently strong but the reserve and low tier planes would be able to take it out. Its payload is about equal to or less than the other tier one bombers. I personally believe this would be a great addition to War Thunder.

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I love it!

Take all my +1's!

It is great! Nice job!

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Imagine a H6K with 2 of these along it's side for escort  :D

 

Would be so cute, like a duck with 2 ducklings.

 

 

:lol:

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There are some planes in WT that I don't want to take into combat. I just want to find a pretty map and fly around. This would be my no.1 choice for that....
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H9A1, y u be so cute ლ(ಠ益ಠლ)?! ermahgerd. it's so cute it's overwhelming! I CAN'T TAKE IT! *dies*

Edited by Oberst_G
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yeah since H6K was moved higher in BR, this would be a nice little Low Tier 1 Bomber. Its cute & sexy, not that heavy armed, can carry 500KG Bombs and should still be killable by biplanes and so on.

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yeah since H6K was moved higher in BR, this would be a nice little Low Tier 1 Bomber. Its cute & sexy, not that heavy armed, can carry 500KG Bombs and should still be killable by biplanes and so on.

Two 250 kg bombs, not two 500 kg bombs.

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  • 3 years later...
  • Senior Suggestion Moderator

Suggestion passed to the developers for review.

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  • CokeSpray changed the title to The Aichi H9A1: A Mini Sea Dragon!
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