Aichi M6A1, 1600228
History
Serial number 1600228 was the last Seiran built, making it a significant artifact in aviation history. After Japan's surrender in August 1945, Imperial Japanese Navy Lt. Kazuo Akatsuka ferried this aircraft from Fukuyama to Yokosuka, where he surrendered it to American forces. The U.S. Navy then transported the aircraft to the United States for evaluation and preservation.
Initially displayed at Naval Air Station Alameda in California, the Seiran was transferred to the Smithsonian's Paul E. Garber Facility in Silver Hill, Maryland, in November 1962. Due to limited indoor storage space, it remained outdoors for twelve years, leading to some corrosion of its floats. In 1989, restoration efforts began, involving Smithsonian curators, volunteers, and experts from Japan. The team faced challenges due to the lack of original production drawings and manuals, requiring extensive research and fabrication of missing parts. The restoration was completed in 2000.
Today, the Seiran is on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, Virginia, part of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.