Mitsubishi Type 0 Observation Seaplane / F1M2 Pete
Technical Information

Background
The Mitsubishi Type 0 Observation Seaplane 零式水上観測機 / F1M2 entered service in 1941 as a high performance biplane powered by a nine cylinder radial engine. Allied code named Pete. At the center was a large float with two small outboard stabilizing floats. Powered by a Nakajima Aarika nine-cylinder air-cooled radial driving a two or three bladed propeller. Armament included 2 x 7.7mm machine guns in the nose cowling plus a single flexible 7.7mm machine gun operated by the rear gunner. Under each wing were bomb racks for 2 x 60 kg bombs.

Variants
F1M1: 4 prototypes.
F1M1: Two-seat reconnaissance floatplane.
F1M2-K: Two-seat training version.

Wartime History
The F1M2 Pete was used for the duration of the the Pacific War, it earned a commendable war record as an interceptor, dive-bomber, convoy escort, coastal patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.

Production
A total of 1,118 were built.

Technical Details
Crew  Two (pilot, rear gunner)
Engine  1 x Nakajima Aarika nine-cylinder air-cooled radial with a two or three bladed propeller
Span  11m
Length  9.5m
Height  4m
Maximum Speed   200 km/h
Range  400 miles
Armament  (nose) 2 x 7.7mm machine guns (rear) 7.7mm machine gun
Bomb load  (wings) 2 x 60 kg bomb