Aichi E13 - back office worker

 

I would hazard a guess that reconnaissance aircrafts are the most underestimated aircraft category at war. Alhough very importand job they did on the battlefield they stayed forgotten. Responsible for  reconnaissance was critical and decided the outcome of the many struggles, especially on the Far East. 

During Operation C (Japaneese raid on Ceylon) missing radio transfer from Catalina saved the IJN fleet from counterattack of FAA planes. During Operation Mo (that is known as a battle of the Coral Sea) misidentification of Neosho as a carrier makes easy victory slipped out of the Japeneese hands. Radio damage on the reconnaissance plane made Japaneese blind in the crucial moment of the Midway battle.

Considering that I decided to create scout mission scenario  concentrated on the comlicated and not appreciated work of reconnaissance patrols. I belive in campaign games it could be expanded on misidentification model that makes games even more excited.

As we have quasi official stats for PBY Catalina flying boat it would be nice to have the similar numbers for the most popular Japannese reconnaissance aircrafts. The most popular one was Aichi E13 operated from seaplane carriers or cruisers. For now let me introduce E13 Jake.

 

G4M Betty - fast girl :)

 

Never planned to expand my Japaneese Navy Air Force more than carrier operated one. Unfortunately during COVID events I had plenty of time for reading and came across some books concerning early war struggles on the Far East. Social distance requirements led me into making some solo scenarios for Blood Red Skies. One of them was a Kuantan battle with G4M Betty as a main character. 

My new The Betty's models came from Armaments in Miniature range. They look really good, especially in full makeup :). Please meet Betty.

 

 

Betty card is included into Japaneese expansion pack from Warlord is quite fast (for a bomber) but - as the most Japaneese aircrafts - vulnerable airplane so she needs "bodyguard".