I don't think the E13A carried torpedoes. I doubt it could lift mines either.
Source:
https://it.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aichi_E13AE13A1 could carry
only either four 60 kgs bombs
or one 250 kgs bomb.
E13A1
b (which entered into service presumably in 1945, since the E13A1a for sure became operational at the end of 1944) were fitted with a radar system for the detection of surface targets (specifically for the identification of naval units) while
some aircraft were equipped with a system of detection of magnetic anomalies known by the name of "Jikitanchiki".
Some sources report that the use of E13A in the anti-submarine role was
not particularly fruitful because the detection system used, the aforementioned "Jikitanchiki", proved especially complex for inexperienced pilots. According to the interrogation made after the end of the war by the Americans to commander of 901st air group stationed in Formosa(*), the detection apparatus had an efficacy of 150m per side at a height of 150 m, although the most experienced pilots were flying at 12-15 m from the surface. The schema type of detection provided 6 aircraft spaced apart by 300 m that flew in parallel in front of the convoy, and another aircraft equipped with radar 45 miles behind the last escorted ship; according to the Japanese, the results due to the use of these tactics and equipment, in itself very heavy enough to force to lighten the aircraft by removing unnecessary components and armor, was fruitful leading to a dozen sinkings, but according to the US, only in a certain case (USS Trigger (SS-237)) and two other possible the sinking could be traced to these reasons.
See as references:
- René J. Francillon,
Aichi E13A in
Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, London, UK, Putnam & Company, 1970, pp. 277-81
- Ed Howard,
Jikitanchiki - Japanese Airborne Magnetic Detector on
United States Submarine Losses During the Pacific War, 1941 to 1945,
http://www.subsowespac.org/, 22 march 2013.
(*): Interrogation of Japanese Officials Volume 1, U. S. Strategic Bombing Survey, 1946. Interrogation of Rear Admiral Shigetada Horiuchi, IJN, Chief of Staff, First Escort Fleet, from May 1944 to December 1944; Commanding 901st Air Group, Formosa from January 1945 to September 1945.
Author
Topic: Aichi E13A1 'Jake' (from 413) (Read 30243 times)
