Seems to be an interesting site, would be good to know, what is written there. Perhaps one of our
Japanese comrades could give a short translation, especially of what seem to be the part about the 1016 ?
"单引擎的 Z.1016 是源自 Z.1007 的另一个类似于 Z.1015 的改型。CRDA 在 1938 年 11 月 22 日提出了研制该机以打破国际航联英国维克斯公司“维尔斯利(Wellesley)”式飞机创下的远程飞行纪录。但并没有继续深入。"
As the Wellesley is mentioned, I would think, that the former engine nacelles maybe should be used for
carrying payload/bombs ? But as the Italians were clinging to 3-engined bombers because of shortage
of really powerful engines and as the drawing seem to show at least the same front engine, such a design
probably would have been grossly underpowered.