The Aichi E11A1 night reconnaissance flying boat, known to the Allies under the codename Laura, first flew in prototype form in June 1937. Competing against the Kawanishi E11K1, it proved to have superior performance, and was ordered into production as the Navy Type 98 Night Reconnaissance Seaplane.
Of biplane configuration, the two-step hull carried a braced tail unit, with the tail-plane and elevator mounted almost halfway up the fin. Accommodation was provided for a crew of three, and there was an open bow position that could be used during on-water manoeuvres, such as making fast to a buoy, as well as mounting a defensive machine gun. To enhance stability on the water, balancer floats were mounted beneath each lower wing, close to the wingtip. Power-plant consisted of a Hiro Type 91 Model 22 inline engine, mounted at the centre-section of the upper wing, and driving a pusher propeller with spinner.
Production of E11A1s totalled only 17 aircraft, and these saw limited use in their intended role in the early stages of the Pacific war.
