The type Zero Observation Seaplane (Alleid codename = Pete) was a developed as a next-generation succesor to the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) reccon-and light bombing mission-capable observation seaplanes. In the IJN orginal announcement for competitive prototypes, specs called for improvements in climb, combat capability and top speed over existing seaplane types. Mitsubishi was the underdog winner of the new production contract, with its sleek biplane design beating out traditional seaplane specialist powerhouse Aichi and Kawanishi. in addition to its eventually original primary mission of spotting for battleship gunfire, the '' Pete '' performed numerous additional missions for the IJN ,including sea patrol ,reconnaissance ,convoy escort ,and even attacks against shipping that made use of the '' Pete '' combat capabilty and modest bombload. a total of approximately 1000 '' Pete ''seaplanes had rolled out of Japanese aircraft factories by the end of the desingn`s production run in 1944

Japans marine verkennings vliegtuig uit de tweede wereld oorlog.
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