Nakajima E4N

The first prototype of this equal-span biplane reconnaissance aircraft appeared in 1930 as the Type 90-2 Reconnaissance Floatplane, company designation NZ. Intended for navy service as the Nakajima E4N1, it had twin flpats and an uncowled Kotobuki radial engine. This first prototype, however, was rejected in favour of the NJ or Navy Type 90-2-2 Reconnaissance Floatplane. This was a complete redesign, with a single main float and twin wingtip stabilising floats. It closely resembles the US Vought O3U-1 Corsair biplane and, like it, was intended for shipboard use and catapult launching. Powered by a 336kW Nakajima Kotobuki radial engine, the Type 90-2-2 had a maximum speed of 222km/h and 85 went into service with the Japanese navy as the E4N2 between 1931 and 1933, a version with fixed wheel landing gear going into service as the E4N2-C; 67 of the latter were completed. In 1933 nine of the E4N2-C landplanes were converted as night mail carriers, for use between the main islands of Japan. Designated P-1, the mail carrier was a single-seater with the pilot accommodated in an enclosed cockpit.