Mitsubishi Ki-51

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Ki-51

Mitsubishi Ki-51

Type Type 99 Attacker
Manufacturer Mitsubishi
Maiden flight mid-1939
Primary user Imperial Japanese Army
Number built 2385

The Mitsubishi Ki-51 (Army designation is "Type 99 Attacker". Allied codename "Sonia") was a light bomber/dive bomber aircraft in service with the Imperial Japanese Army during World War II. It first flew in mid-1939. Initially deployed against Chinese forces, it proved to be too slow to hold up against the fighter aircraft of the other allied powers. However, it performed a useful ground attack role in the China-Burma-India theatre, notably from airfields too rough for many other aircraft. As the war drew to a close, they began to be used in kamikaze attacks. Total production was around 2385 units.

Contents

[edit] Operators

Flag of Japan Japan
Flag of Indonesia Indonesia
  • In 1945, Indonesian People's Security Force (IPSF) (Indonesian pro-independence guerrillas) captured a small number of aircraft at numerous Japanese air bases, including Bugis Air Base in Malang (repatriated 18 September 1945). Most aircraft were destroyed in military conflicts between the Netherlands and the newly proclaimed-Republic of Indonesia during the Indonesian National Revolution of 1945-1949.
Flag of the People's Republic of China China
  • Communist Chinese (captured): The last 4 Ki-51s retired in 1953.

[edit] Specifications

[edit] General characteristics

  • Crew: Two (Pilot and rear gunner)
  • Length: 9.20m (30 ft 2.5 in)
  • Wingspan: 12.10 m (39 ft 8.25 in)
  • Height: 2.73 m (8 ft 11.5 in)
  • Wing area: 24.02 m² (258.56 ft²)
  • Empty: 1,873 kg (4129 lb)
  • Maximum takeoff: 2920 kg (6437 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1x Mitsubishi Ha-26-II radial piston engine, rated at 940 hp (691 kW)

[edit] Performance

  • Maximum speed: 425 km/h (264 mph)
  • Range: 1,060 km (659 miles)
  • Service ceiling: 8,270 m (31,070 ft)

[edit] Armament

[edit] References

[1] [2]

[edit] See also

Comparable aircraft Junkers Ju-87
Related lists List of military aircraft of Japan