Mitsubishi Ki-1

Showing strong signs of Junkers influence, the Mitsubishi Ki-1-l heavy bomber flew for the first time in 1933. An angular cantilever low-wing monoplane with a crew of four, it had fixed landing gear, a tail unit incorporating twin fins and rudders, and was powered by two 701kW Ha-2-2 radial engines, giving a maximum speed of 220km/h. Pilot and co-pilot were seated in tandem under an enclosed canopy, while there were semi-enclosed nose and dorsal turrets and a retractable ventral 'dustbin', each armed with a single 7.7mm machine-gun; offensive load was up to 1500kg of bombs. The Ki-1-II development had 723kW Ha-2-3 engines and air-frame improvements which increased maximum speed to 230km/h. The two versions went into service as the Army Type 93-1 and Army Type 93-2 respectively, and saw limited use in the fighting against China. Total production of both versions was 118. Wing span was 26.50m, and the maximum take-off weight of the Ki-1-l 8100kg.