Kawanishi E7K1 (Alf) ー 川西94式1号水上偵察機

Note the 600hp liquid-cooled engine and the four blade wooden prop.
Top green-bottom gray.

The Kawanishi E7K was a very well liked floatplane by it's crew. During an interview with a floatplane instructor (among other things), the veteran pilot told me that it was his favorite floatplane, among the "Willow", the "Pete" and the "Jake". Very strong and sturdy but also very easy to fly, with light controls. Those who have built the Hasegawa kit have probably noticed how "crowded" is the section in front and around the pilot. Nevertheless the veteran assured me that the plane offered excellent forward and downward visibility.

The photo from a vintage publication was taken during the Hainan island operations that started on February 10, 1939 and ended a couple months later. Some details about the op here.

The tail marking is censored but perhaps a ship guy may know which cruisers or battleships or floatplane tenders operated in the area at the time.

この写真は当時の古い雑誌からで、海南島攻略作戦の時のものです。

海南島攻略作戦は昭和14年2月10日に始まり、数ヶ月後に終わりました。

尾翼マークは修正により、消去されていますが、海南島作戦に参加した

航空機母艦「千代田」搭載機ではないかと思います。

ですので、尾翼マークは「５」または「Z」と思われますが、

この作戦に参加した94式1号水上偵察機を艦載していた他の艦艇ご存知ですか？
 

WELCOME!

Let's start!
始めましょう！
Ξεκινάμε!

"Sashin Shyuho" (Weekly Photo News) February 23, 1944