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{{Short description|Japanese transport aircraft}}
{{Short description|Japanese transport aircraft}}
{|{{Infobox aircraft begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name= Ki-57
|name=Ki-57
|image= File:Mitsubishi Ki-57.jpg
|image=File:Mitsubishi Ki-57.jpg
|caption= MC-20-I, with a nickname ''Asagumo'' (morning cloud), used by [[Asahi Shimbun]]
|caption=MC-20-I, with a nickname ''Asagumo'' (morning cloud), used by [[Asahi Shimbun]]
⚫
|type=Transport aircraft<br />Paratroop transport<br />Passenger aircraft
}}{{Infobox aircraft type
⚫
|manufacturer=[[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]]
⚫
|type= Transport aircraft<br />Paratroop transport<br />Passenger aircraft
|design_group=
⚫
|manufacturer= [[Mitsubishi Heavy Industries]]
⚫
|first_flight=August [[1940 in aviation|1940]]
|design group=
|first flight= August [[1940 in aviation|1940]]
|introduction=[[1942 in aviation|1942]]
⚫
|introduction= [[1942 in aviation|1942]]
|retired=
|retired=
|status=
|status=
|primary user= [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]]
|primary_user=[[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]]
|more users= [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]<br /> [[Imperial Japanese Airways]]
|more_users=[[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]<br /> [[Imperial Japanese Airways]]
|produced= 1940–1945
|produced=1940–1945
|number built= 406
|number_built=406
|developed from= [[Mitsubishi Ki-21]]
|developed_from=[[Mitsubishi Ki-21]]
|variants with their own articles=
|variants=
}}
}}
|}


The '''Mitsubishi Ki-57''' was a Japanese passenger transport aircraft, developed from the [[Mitsubishi Ki-21|Ki-21]] bomber, during the early 1940s.
The '''Mitsubishi Ki-57''' was a Japanese passenger transport aircraft, developed from the [[Mitsubishi Ki-21|Ki-21]] bomber, during the early 1940s.
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==Development==
==Development==


In 1938, when the [[Mitsubishi Ki-21|Ki-21]] [[heavy bomber]] began to enter service with the [[Imperial Japanese Army]], its capability attracted the attention of the [[Imperial Japanese Airways]]. In consequence a civil version was developed and this, generally similar to the Ki-21-I and retaining its powerplant of two 708&nbsp;kW (950&nbsp;hp) Nakajima Ha-5 KAI [[radial engine]]s, differed primarily by having the same wings transferred from a mid to low-wing configuration and the incorporation of a new [[fuselage]] to provide accommodation for up to 11 passengers. This transport version appealed also the navy, and following the flight of a [[prototype]] in August 1940 and subsequent testing, the type was ordered into production for both civil and military use.<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|pp=182–183.}}</ref>
In 1938, when the [[Mitsubishi Ki-21|Ki-21]] [[heavy bomber]] began to enter service with the [[Imperial Japanese Army]], its capability attracted the attention of the [[Imperial Japanese Airways]]. In consequence, a civil version was developed and this, generally similar to the Ki-21-I and retaining its powerplant of two {{cvt|708|kW|-1}} Nakajima Ha-5 KAI [[radial engine]]s, differed primarily by having the same wings transferred from a mid- to low-wing configuration and the incorporation of a new [[fuselage]] to provide accommodation for up to 11 passengers. This transport version appealed also to the navy, and following the flight of a [[prototype]] in August 1940 and subsequent testing, the type was ordered into production for both civil and military use.<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|pp=182–183}}</ref>


This initial production ''Ki-57-I'' had the civil and military designations of ''MC-20-I'' and ''Army Type 100 Transport Model 1'', respectively. A total of 100 production Ki-57-Is had been built by early 1942, and small numbers of them were transferred for use by the Japanese navy in a transport role, then becoming redesignated ''L4M1''. After the last of the Ki-57s had been delivered production was switched to an improved ''Ki-57-II'', which introduced more powerful 805&nbsp;kW (1,080&nbsp;hp) Mitsubishi Ha-l02 14-cylinder radial engines installed in redesigned nacelles and, at the same time, incorporated a number of detail refinements and minor equipment changes. Civil and military designations of this version were the ''MC-20-II'' and ''Army Type 100 Transport Model 2'', respectively. Only 406 were built before production ended in January 1945. Both versions were covered by the Allied [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|reporting name]] "Topsy".<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|pp=183–184.}}</ref>
This initial production ''Ki-57-I'' had the civil and military designations of ''MC-20-I'' and ''Army Type 100 Transport Model 1'', respectively. A total of 100 production Ki-57-Is had been built by early 1942, and small numbers of them were transferred for use by the Japanese navy in a transport role, then becoming redesignated ''L4M1''. After the last of the Ki-57s had been delivered production was switched to an improved ''Ki-57-II'', which introduced more powerful {{cvt|805|kW}} Mitsubishi Ha-102 14-cylinder radial engines installed in redesigned nacelles and, at the same time, incorporated a number of detail refinements and minor equipment changes. Civil and military designations of this version were the ''MC-20-II'' and ''Army Type 100 Transport Model 2'', respectively. Only 406 were built before production ended in January 1945. Both versions were covered by the Allied [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|reporting name]] "Topsy".<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|pp=183–184}}</ref>


==Variants==
==Variants==
[[File:Mitsubishi MC-20-II.jpg|thumb|MC-20-II with the nickname [[Siberian crane|''Hakutsuru'' (white crane)]] during the [[Second Sino-Japanese War|Sino-Japanese war]]]]
[[File:Mitsubishi MC-20-II.jpg|thumb|MC-20-II with the nickname [[Siberian crane|''Hakutsuru'' (white crane)]] during the [[Second Sino-Japanese War|Sino-Japanese war]]]]


*''Ki-57-I Army Type 100 Transport Model 1'': Powered by two {{cvt|708|kW|0}} [[Nakajima Ha5 KAI]] radial engines and a redesigned fuselage to accommodate 11 passengers. About 100 aircraft of this type were built including the civil version.
*''Ki-57-I Army Type 100 Transport Model 1'': Powered by two {{cvt|708|kW|-1}} [[Nakajima Ha-5 KAI]] radial engines and a redesigned fuselage to accommodate 11 passengers. About 100 aircraft of this type were built including the civil version.
*''MC-20-I'': Same as above but built for civil use with [[Imperial Japanese Airways]] (Dai Nippon Koku KK).
*''MC-20-I'': Same as above but built for civil use with [[Imperial Japanese Airways]] (Dai Nippon Koku KK).
*''Ki-57-II Army Type 100 Transport Model 2'':Powered by two {{cvt|805|kW|0}} [[Mitsubishi Ha-102 Zuisei]] 14-cylinder radial engines installed in redesigned nacelles. Minor equipment and detail refinements were also incorporated. 306 aircraft of this type were produced before the end of production in January 1945.
*''Ki-57-II Army Type 100 Transport Model 2'':Powered by two {{cvt|805|kW}} [[Mitsubishi Ha-102 Zuisei]] 14-cylinder radial engines installed in redesigned nacelles. Minor equipment and detail refinements were also incorporated. 306 aircraft of this type were produced before the end of production in January 1945.
*''MC-20-II'': Same as above but built for civil use with Imperial Japanese Airways (Dai Nippon Koku KK).
*''MC-20-II'': Same as above but built for civil use with Imperial Japanese Airways (Dai Nippon Koku KK).
*''L4M1'': A small number of Ki-57-Is were transferred for test by the Japanese navy as transports and were redesignated L4M1.
*''L4M1'': A small number of Ki-57-Is were transferred for test by the Japanese navy as transports and were redesignated L4M1.
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==Accidents and incidents==
==Accidents and incidents==
* On December 20, 1940, an Imperial Japanese Airways MC-20-I (J-BGON, ''Myuko'') crashed into Tokyo Bay off Chiba during CAB's test flight, killing all 13 on board including 8 CAB inspectors.
* On 20 December 1940, an Imperial Japanese Airways MC-20-I (J-BGON, ''Myuko'') crashed into Tokyo Bay off Chiba during CAB's test flight, killing all 13 on board including 8 CAB inspectors.{{cn|date=March 2024}}
* On June 21, 1941, a Manchurian Air Transport MC-20 (M-604) crashed into the [[Sea of Japan]], killing all 18 on board.
* On 21 June 1941, a Manchurian Air Transport MC-20 (M-604) crashed into the [[Sea of Japan]], killing all 18 on board.{{cn|date=March 2024}}


==Specifications (Ki-57-II)==
==Specifications (Ki-57-II)==
[[File:Mitsubishi Ki-57 3-view.png|300px|right|3-view drawing of the Mitsubishi Ki-57]]
[[File:Mitsubishi Ki-57 3-view line drawing.png|thumb|3-view drawing of the Mitsubishi Ki-57]]

{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Japanese AIrcraft of the Pacific War<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|pp=184–185.}}</ref>
|ref=''Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War'' <ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|pp=184–185.}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
|prime units?=met
<!--
<!--
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-->
-->
|max speed kmh=470
|max speed kmh=470
|max speed note=at {{cvt|5800|m|0}}
|max speed note=at {{cvt|5800|m}}
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|cruise speed note=
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|climb rate ms=
|climb rate ms=
|climb rate note=
|climb rate note=
|time to altitude={{cvt|5000|m|0}} 15 minutes 45 seconds
|time to altitude={{cvt|5000|m}} 15 minutes 45 seconds
|wing loading kg/m2=116.6
|wing loading kg/m2=116.6
|wing loading note=
|wing loading note=
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[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1940]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1940]]
[[Category:Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Twin piston-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]

Latest revision as of 00:34, 18 December 2024

Ki-57
MC-20-I, with a nickname Asagumo (morning cloud), used by Asahi Shimbun
General information
TypeTransport aircraft
Paratroop transport
Passenger aircraft
ManufacturerMitsubishi Heavy Industries
Primary usersImperial Japanese Army Air Force
Number built406
History
Manufactured1940–1945
Introduction date1942
First flightAugust 1940
Developed fromMitsubishi Ki-21

The Mitsubishi Ki-57 was a Japanese passenger transport aircraft, developed from the Ki-21 bomber, during the early 1940s.

Development

[edit]

In 1938, when the Ki-21 heavy bomber began to enter service with the Imperial Japanese Army, its capability attracted the attention of the Imperial Japanese Airways. In consequence, a civil version was developed and this, generally similar to the Ki-21-I and retaining its powerplant of two 708 kW (950 hp) Nakajima Ha-5 KAI radial engines, differed primarily by having the same wings transferred from a mid- to low-wing configuration and the incorporation of a new fuselage to provide accommodation for up to 11 passengers. This transport version appealed also to the navy, and following the flight of a prototype in August 1940 and subsequent testing, the type was ordered into production for both civil and military use.[1]

This initial production Ki-57-I had the civil and military designations of MC-20-I and Army Type 100 Transport Model 1, respectively. A total of 100 production Ki-57-Is had been built by early 1942, and small numbers of them were transferred for use by the Japanese navy in a transport role, then becoming redesignated L4M1. After the last of the Ki-57s had been delivered production was switched to an improved Ki-57-II, which introduced more powerful 805 kW (1,080 hp) Mitsubishi Ha-102 14-cylinder radial engines installed in redesigned nacelles and, at the same time, incorporated a number of detail refinements and minor equipment changes. Civil and military designations of this version were the MC-20-II and Army Type 100 Transport Model 2, respectively. Only 406 were built before production ended in January 1945. Both versions were covered by the Allied reporting name "Topsy".[2]

Variants

[edit]
MC-20-II with the nickname Hakutsuru (white crane) during the Sino-Japanese war
  • Ki-57-I Army Type 100 Transport Model 1: Powered by two 708 kW (950 hp) Nakajima Ha-5 KAI radial engines and a redesigned fuselage to accommodate 11 passengers. About 100 aircraft of this type were built including the civil version.
  • MC-20-I: Same as above but built for civil use with Imperial Japanese Airways (Dai Nippon Koku KK).
  • Ki-57-II Army Type 100 Transport Model 2:Powered by two 805 kW (1,080 hp) Mitsubishi Ha-102 Zuisei 14-cylinder radial engines installed in redesigned nacelles. Minor equipment and detail refinements were also incorporated. 306 aircraft of this type were produced before the end of production in January 1945.
  • MC-20-II: Same as above but built for civil use with Imperial Japanese Airways (Dai Nippon Koku KK).
  • L4M1: A small number of Ki-57-Is were transferred for test by the Japanese navy as transports and were redesignated L4M1.

Operators

[edit]
A wrecked Ki-57 on Honshu in late 1945

Wartime

[edit]

Military operators

 Japan
 Manchukuo

Civil operators

 Japan
 Manchukuo
Reorganized National Government of China
  • One MC-20 used as presidential transport
 Second Philippine Republic
  • One MC-20 used as presidential transport

Post-war

[edit]
 China
  • The last Ki-57 was used as a trainer and retired in 1952.
 Japan
 Netherlands
  • Captured aircraft, used by the KNIL.

Accidents and incidents

[edit]
  • On 20 December 1940, an Imperial Japanese Airways MC-20-I (J-BGON, Myuko) crashed into Tokyo Bay off Chiba during CAB's test flight, killing all 13 on board including 8 CAB inspectors.[citation needed]
  • On 21 June 1941, a Manchurian Air Transport MC-20 (M-604) crashed into the Sea of Japan, killing all 18 on board.[citation needed]

Specifications (Ki-57-II)

[edit]
3-view drawing of the Mitsubishi Ki-57

Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War [4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 4 (pilot, co-pilot, navigator and radio operator)
  • Capacity: 11 passengers
  • Length: 16.1 m (52 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 22.6 m (74 ft 2 in)
  • Height: 4.86 m (15 ft 11 in)
  • Wing area: 70.08 m2 (754.3 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 5,585 kg (12,313 lb)
  • Gross weight: 8,173 kg (18,018 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 9,120 kg (20,106 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Mitsubishi Ha-102 Zuisei 14-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 805 kW (1,080 hp) each for take-off
  • Propellers: 3-bladed variable-pitch propellers

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 470 km/h (290 mph, 250 kn) at 5,800 m (19,000 ft)
  • Range: 3,000 km (1,900 mi, 1,600 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 8,000 m (26,000 ft)
  • Time to altitude: 5,000 m (16,000 ft) 15 minutes 45 seconds
  • Wing loading: 116.6 kg/m2 (23.9 lb/sq ft)

See also

[edit]

Related development

Related lists

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Francillon 1979, pp. 182–183
  2. ^ Francillon 1979, pp. 183–184
  3. ^ Francillon 1979, p. 184.
  4. ^ Francillon 1979, pp. 184–185.
Bibliography
  • Francillon, Ph.D., René J. The Mitsubishi Ki-21 (Aircraft in Profile number 172). Leatherhead, Surrey, UK: Profile Publications Ltd., 1967.
  • Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-370-30251-6. OCLC 6124909. (new edition 1987 by Putnam Aeronautical Books, ISBN 0-85177-801-1); 3rd edition 1987 by Putnam Aeronautical Books, 1987. ISBN 0-85177-801-1).
[edit]
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