 The monoplane design was soon abandoned as its promised performance was little better than that of the aircraft it was meant to replace, but two examples of the AB-7 were built as the Experimental 8-"Shi" Reconnaissance Seaplane, or E8A under the Short System designation system.The AB-7 was a single-bay biplane of wood and metal construction, fitted with a single main float that could be replaced be a wheeled undercarriage for operations from land.Its wings folded to the rear to allow easier storage aboard ship.