Mitsubishi Ki-1

The Mitsubishi Ki-1, also known as Mitsubishi Army Type 93 Heavy Bomber, was a bomber for the Imperial Japanese Army in the 1930s.

The Ki-1 design was heavily based on the Junkers K 37 and a mockup was ready in August 1932, with the first prototype being finished in March 1933.

Despite its antiquated appearance, the Ki-1 was used in Manchukuo and in North China during the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War, in areas where danger from enemy fighter aircraft was minimal.

Variants

Ki-1-I

(Army Type 93-I Heavy Bomber)

Initial production variant, powered by two 701 hp (523 kW) Mitsubishi Ha2-II (Army Type 93-II 700 hp Water Cooled In-line) V-12 engines.

Ki-1-II

(Army Type 93-II Heavy Bomber)

Improved version with more powerful engines, strengthened airframe, powered by two 723 hp (539 kW) Mitsubishi Ha2-III (Army Type 93-III 700 hp Water Cooled In-line) V-12 engines.

Specifications

Crew

4

Length

14.8 m (48 ft 7 in)

Wingspan

26.5 m (86 ft 11 in)

Height

4.92 m (16 ft 2 in)

Empty weight

4,880 kg (10,759 lb)

Gross weight

8,100 kg (17,857 lb)

Powerplant

2 × Mitsubishi Ha2-II V-12 water-cooled piston engines, 523 kW (701 hp) each

Propellers

2-bladed wooden fixed-pitch propellers

Performance

Maximum speed

220 km/h (140 mph, 120 kn)

Service ceiling

5,000 m (16,000 ft)

Armament

Guns

3× 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns

Bombs

1,500 kg (3,300 lb) of bombs.