The Kawanishi E7K2 was formally known as the Navy Type 94 Reconnaissance Seaplane Model 2 (later Model 12). To the Allies it was simply “ALF.” The E7K1 design was accepted for production in 1934 to replace the Navy Type 90-3 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E5K1). The E7K1 (Navy Type 94 Reconnaissance Seaplane Model 1) was a three place, twin-float biplane initially powered by a 500hp Hiro Type 91 12-cylinder W liquid–cooled engine driving a two-blade wooden propeller. Later production models had an upgraded 600hp Hiro Type 91 engine driving a four-blade wooden propeller. Armament for the aircraft consisted of a single 7.7mm fixed forward firing MG and two flexible (one dorsal, one ventral) 7.7mm MGs. The plane was equipped to carry 4x30kg or 2x60kg bombs. In 1938, the E7K2 was born when the plane was re-engined with a 870hp Mitsubishi Zuisei 11 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine driving a two-blade propeller. Production of the E7K2 ended in 1941; however, the plane continued to serve in front line service until 1943.
The ALF possessed fine qualities and was well liked by its crews. The plane served from the catapults of many heavy warships and seaplane tenders as well as shore bases. It served in the liaison, anti-submarine, recon, and convoy escort roles. One of the many training roles was as an RC target plane and the mother aircraft for the MXY3 and MXY4 RC target drones. The E7K2s were progressively replaced throughout the first half of the Pacific war by the E13A “Jakes.” The ALF was almost continually in combat throughout its life, beginning with Japan’s conflict in China. By the end of the war, this old war horse was called back into service, like so many Japanese aircraft, to be expended as Kamikazes.
The Kugisho (Yokosuka) MXY4 (Navy Type 1 Target Plane Model11) was designed and built in 1940 and accepted by the IJN in 1941. The aircraft was designed as an all wood, radio-controlled target drone for gunnery training. The drone was powered by a 32hp four-cylinder Nihon Semi 11 box type air-cooled engine driving a 2 blade wooden propeller. It was carried aloft by an E7K “ALF” to 3000 meters and released. The drone had two floats under the wings for recovery
