C6N reconnaissance undone by serviceability

The C6N was designed to overcome the limits of reconnaissance by cruiser floatplanes, but it required careful maintenance and specialized support. On 11 February 1945, seven aircraft left the Tokyo Bay area for Truk. Two turned back with engine trouble, one ditched en route, and another was wrecked on landing. Truk lacked the specialized servicing, fuel, and spares needed to keep the survivors available. The resulting reconnaissance plan depended on one serviceable aircraft and a submarine-delivered supply effort.