E15K-1 Norm

[Michael Turner]

I am trying to find out where these planes were assigned to. I was able to find this much out from the Combinedfleet web site:

6 March 1944:
Refit. OYODO is converted to a Combined Fleet flagship.

OYODO is designed to carry six high-speed Kawanishi E15K1 Norm reconnaissance floatplanes, but the aircraft are not as fast as expected and the strategic situation changes before they can be delivered. It is decided to equip OYODO with a shorter catapult and two Aichi E16A1 Paul reconnaissance planes, but these are not ready on time either. OYODO receives two standard IJN Type O Aichi E13A1 Jake hree-seat reconnaissance floatplanes.

As you can see, they were to be assigned to the ship but never were. I don't know if they were assigned to another ship or operated from shore bases. There were a total of 9 production models made.

Thank you.
Michael

[Nicholas]

You can find an operational history of this type in Arawasi magazine Issue 1 (July 2005) still available from the publisher:-

http://www.arawasi.jp/salebook.hp/ara-magazine1.html

The article "The Trail of the Shiun at Arakabesang" is by Komine Bunzo and translated from the Japanese. It contains details of the missions flown.

[Michael Turner]

Hi Nicholas:

Thank you for the information, I will try and order a copy of this magazine.
From what you have said, I did a search and found out that Arakabesang is near Palau so at least now, I have an area to center in on if for some reason the publisher is out of that issue.

Thank you again.

Michael

Fyrtog@aol.com