Mitsubishi Ki-21
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The Mitsubishi Ki-21 is possibly the best-known World War 2 Japanese army bomber. It began operations during the second Sino-Japanese war participating in the Nomonhan Incident, and in the first stages of the Pacific War participating in the British Malaya-, Burma-, Dutch Indies- and New Guinea campaigns, and also attacking objectives as far away as West China, India and Northern Australia. Its initial success diminished with stiffening Allied aerial opposition, a trend not reversed by the introduction of a new variant, the Ki-21 IIb with the upper turret rotated by pedals. In spite of its failures, it was maintained in service until the end of the war, being utilized as transport (along with the civil transport version MC-21), bomber crew and Paratrooper trainer, for liaison and communications, special commando and secret agents missions, and suicide operations.
Nine Ki-21 Ia/b (under the name Nagoya) were sent by Japan to Thailand, and were used by the Thai Air force against Vichy French forces in Indochina. By the end of the war, the Ki-21 was used by Giretsu Special Forces in strikes against American Forces in Okinawa, Iwo Jima, and the Marianas. This was part of a last-ditch attempt, which also made use of Army Kamikaze forces, to delay or stop the USAAF air strikes from Okinawa against Japan proper.
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[edit] Versions
- Ki-21 Prototype and evaluation models: different engines and armament, 8 built
- Ki-21 Ia Heavy Bomber Army type 97, Model IA: first production model. Engines were Nakajima Ha-5 KAI of 850 hp. Constructed by Mitsubishi, 143 manufactured by Nakajima Hikoki (including Ki-21 Ib and Ic 351)
- Ki-21 Ib Model IB: one additional machine gun of 7,7 mm in the rear and each side position, major ventral bomb compartments and flaps, redesigned tail. 120 built by Mitsubishi
- Ki-21 Ic Model IC: one additional machine gun of 7,7 mm, increased fuel capacity, 160 built by Mitsubishi
- Ki-21 II: evaluation model: Ki-21 Ic with best qualities, different engines and weapons; engine wing support modified, 4 built
- Ki-21 IIa Model 2A: first production model, 590 built
- Ki-21 IIb Model 2B: Model 2a with modified canopy, clear upper cabin replaced by rotating turret, 688 built
- MC-21: Unarmed civilian transport version, converted from Ki-21 I/II
- Ki-57: civil variant of Ki-21 bomber, the MC-20 and military transport MC-21, with different engines and personnel transport performances
- Nagoya: denomination for the Ki-21 Ia/b examples sent to Thailand
- Total production: 2.064 units (excluding the Ki-57)
- Mitsubishi Ki-21 IIb Sally
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- Type: Heavy Bomber
- Power plant: Two Mitsubishi Army type 100 Ha-101 of 1.500 hp
[edit] Performance
- Maximum speed at 4,700 m: 485 km/h
- Cruise speed: 380 km/h
- Maximum range: 2.700 km
- Climb time to 6.000 m: 13 min,13 sec
- Service roof: 10.000 m
[edit] Weight
- Empty: 6.070 kg
- Loaded: 10.600 kg
[edit] Dimensions
- Wing span: 22,50 m
- Length: 16,0 m
- Height: 4,85 m
- Wing surface: 69,90 m2
[edit] Weapons
- 1 x Type 89 7.7mm mobile MG in each position (nose, rear, sides and belly) and 1 x type 1 12,7 mm MG in upper turret
- Maximum bomb load: 1.000 kg
- Crew: 5-7
- Used by: Japan, Thailand (9 Ki-21 I Nagoya)
