Jump to content

Kawasaki Ki-48: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
 
(46 intermediate revisions by 29 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{Short description|Japanese light bomber}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{|{{Infobox Aircraft Begin
{{Infobox aircraft
|name = Ki-48
|name = Ki-48
|image = Ki-48 99siki-souhatu-keibaku.jpg
|image = Ki-48 99siki-souhatu-keibaku.jpg
|size = 300px
|size = 300px
|caption = Kawasaki Ki-48
|caption = Kawasaki Ki-48
}}{{Infobox Aircraft Type
|type = [[Light bomber]]
|type = [[Light bomber]]
|manufacturer = [[Kawasaki Aerospace Company|Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K.]]
|manufacturer = [[Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K.]]
|designer = [[Takeo Doi (aircraft designer)|Takeo Doi]]
|designer = [[Takeo Doi (aircraft designer)|Takeo Doi]]
|first flight =
|first_flight =
|introduction = 1940
|introduction = 1940
|retired = 1945
|retired = 1945
|status = Retired
|status = Retired
|primary user = [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]]
|primary_user = [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]]
|more users =
|more_users =
|produced =
|produced =
|number built = 1,997
|number_built = 1,997
|unit cost =
|unit cost =
|developed from =
|developed_from =
|variants with their own articles =
|variants =
}}
}}
⚫
The '''Kawasaki Ki-48''' ({{langx|ja|九九式雙發輕爆擊機|kyuukyuu-shiki-souhatu-keibaku-gekki}}, shortened to 'Soukei', '''Army Type 99 Twin-engined Light Bomber'''), was a Japanese twin-engine [[light bomber]] that was used during [[World War II]]. Its [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|reporting name]] was "'''Lily'''".
|}
⚫
The '''Kawasaki Ki-48''', 九九式雙發輕爆擊機(shiki-souhatu-keibaku,) shortened to 'Sokei', '''Army Type 99 Twin-engined Light Bomber''', was a [[Japan]]ese twin-engine [[light bomber]] that was used during [[World War II]]. Its [[Allies of World War II|Allied]] [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|reporting name]] was "'''Lily'''".


==Design and development==
==Design and development==
The development of the aircraft began at the end of 1937 at the request of the Japanese military high command. Kawasaki received an order to develop a "high-speed [[bomber]]" capable of 480&nbsp;km/h (300&nbsp;mph) at 3,000&nbsp;m (9,840&nbsp;ft), and able to reach 5,000&nbsp;m (16,400&nbsp;ft) within 10 minutes. It was inspired by the Soviet [[Tupolev SB]].
The development of the aircraft began at the end of 1937 at the request of the Japanese military high command. Kawasaki received an order to develop a "high-speed [[bomber]]" capable of {{cvt|480|km/h|mph|round=10}} at {{cvt|3,000|m|ft}}, and able to reach {{cvt|5,000|m|ft}} within 10 minutes. The design was inspired by the Soviet [[Tupolev SB]].


Kawasaki had the advantage of the experience of designing the [[Kawasaki Ki-45|Ki-45]] twin-engined [[heavy fighter]]. Most technical problems were solved; however the aircraft had a number of shortcomings. It carried only an 800&nbsp;kg (1,760&nbsp;lb) bombload. This was actually ''more'' than contemporary [[light bomber]]s such as the [[Bristol Blenheim]] or [[Tupolev SB]], and only slightly less than light bombers designed several years later, such as the [[Douglas A-20 Havoc|A-20 Havoc]], and the strikingly similar-appearing [[Martin Maryland]] and [[Martin Baltimore|Baltimore]]. Speed was intended to be its primary defense, much like the later, unarmed, [[De Havilland Mosquito]]. So it had only three [[machine gun]]s (again, an equivalent armament to contemporary light bombers). This made it very vulnerable to enemy fighters later in the war, once they became fast enough to actually catch it. The flight characteristics of the Ki-48 also left much to be desired. Newer generations of Allied fighters caught up in speed, and eventually, the Ki-48 was too slow to outrun them, while superior modern Japanese aircraft, such as the [[Yokosuka P1Y]] and the [[Mitsubishi Ki-67]], could only be produced in small numbers. The first versions were lightly armoured, so the Ki-48 was quite aerobatic, and could loop and turn with an experienced pilot at the controls. The aircraft was often used as a [[dive bomber]] in Burma. The aircraft was not necessarily a failure, and was considered an acceptable light bomber for the first few years of the war by many historians. Much like the [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero]] fighter, it was satisfactory for the period when it was designed and produced, but had to be used against much newer and faster competition, due to Japan's inability to produce enough newer aircraft.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}}
Kawasaki had the advantage of the experience of designing the [[Kawasaki Ki-45|Ki-45]] twin-engined [[heavy fighter]]. Most technical problems were solved; however the aircraft had a number of shortcomings. It carried only an {{cvt|800|kg|lb|round=10}} bombload. This was actually ''more'' than contemporary [[light bomber]]s such as the [[Bristol Blenheim]] or [[Tupolev SB]], and only slightly less than light bombers designed several years later, such as the [[Douglas A-20 Havoc|A-20 Havoc]], and the strikingly similar-appearing [[Martin Maryland]] and [[Martin Baltimore|Baltimore]]. Speed was intended to be its primary defense, much like the later, unarmed, [[de Havilland Mosquito]]. So it had only three [[machine gun]]s (again, an equivalent armament to contemporary light bombers). This made it very vulnerable to enemy fighters later in the war, once they became fast enough to actually catch it. The flight characteristics of the Ki-48 also left much to be desired. Newer generations of Allied fighters caught up in speed, and eventually, the Ki-48 was too slow to outrun them, while superior modern Japanese aircraft, such as the [[Yokosuka P1Y]] and the [[Mitsubishi Ki-67]], could only be produced in small numbers. The first versions were lightly armoured, so the Ki-48 was quite aerobatic, and could loop and turn with an experienced pilot at the controls. The aircraft was often used as a [[dive bomber]] in Burma. The aircraft was not necessarily a failure, and was considered an acceptable light bomber for the first few years of the war by many historians. Much like the [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero]] fighter, it was satisfactory for the period when it was designed and produced.


==Operational history==
==Operational history==
[[File:Kawasaki-Ki-48-342-FH 001376.jpg|thumb|Kawasaki Ki-48 after Japanese surrender]]
The aircraft served in [[China]] from late 1940, replacing the [[Kawasaki Ki-32]], and were widely used in the [[Philippines]], [[British Malaya|Malaya]], [[Burma]], [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]] and the [[Dutch East Indies]], where the Ki-48 Ia and Ib models, slow and badly armed, were supplemented by the marginally improved Ki-48 IIa and IIc, which were maintained in service along with the older types until the end of the war.
The aircraft served in [[China]] from late 1940, replacing the [[Kawasaki Ki-32]], and were widely used in the [[Philippines]], [[British Malaya|Malaya]], [[Burma]], [[New Guinea]], the [[Solomon Islands]] and the [[Dutch East Indies]], where the Ki-48 Ia and Ib models, slow and badly armed, were supplemented by the marginally improved Ki-48 IIa and IIc, which were maintained in service along with the older types until the end of the war.


All models continued in service until the [[Battle of Okinawa]] during April 1945, when many were converted into ''[[kamikaze]]'' aircraft (Ki-48-II KAI ''[[Tai-Atari]]'') armed with an 800&nbsp;kg (1,760&nbsp;lb) bomb. Some aircraft were modified to act as testbeds; one carried the [[Kawasaki Ki-148]] guided missile intended for use on the [[Kawasaki Ki-102]] in late 1944, and one was modified to test a Ne-0 pulsejet engine in late 1944-early 1945.
All models continued in service until the [[Battle of Okinawa]] during April 1945, when many were converted into ''[[kamikaze]]'' aircraft (Ki-48-II KAI ''[[Tai-Atari]]'') armed with an 800&nbsp;kg (1,760&nbsp;lb) bomb. Some aircraft were modified to act as testbeds; one carried the [[Kawasaki Ki-148]] guided missile intended for use on the [[Kawasaki Ki-102]] in late 1944, and one was modified to test a Ne-0 pulsejet engine in late 1944 to early 1945.


The fact that all models continued in service until 1945 reflects that many Ki-48s survived more often than not. This was due to the use of small ship formations (3–10 aircraft) escorted by large numbers of fighters (25–75), typically [[Nakajima Ki-43]]s. Although not as fast as more modern fighters, after 1942, the aircraft was still fast enough to enable it to often avoid interception unless it ran into a standing patrol of fighters.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} The 90th Air Regiment of the 5th Air Army (based in Hopei, north China) equipped with Ki-48s was the only Japanese air unit in China proper to engage the Soviets, although others were advanced in preparation. It flew 20 sorties against the Soviets during 14 August 1945.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}
The fact that all models continued in service until 1945 reflects that many Ki-48s survived more often than not. This was due to the use of small ship formations (three to ten aircraft) escorted by large numbers of fighters (25–75), typically [[Nakajima Ki-43]]s. Although not as fast as more modern fighters, after 1942, the aircraft was still fast enough to enable it to often avoid interception unless it ran into a standing patrol of fighters.{{Citation needed|date=June 2009}} The 90th Air Regiment of the [[Fifth Air Army (Japan)|5th Air Army]] (based in Hopei, north China) equipped with Ki-48s was the only Japanese air unit in China proper to engage the Soviets, although others were advanced in preparation. It flew 20 sorties against the Soviets during 14 August 1945.{{Citation needed|date=April 2012}}


===Ki-48 Special Attack Unit===
===Ki-48 Special Attack Unit===
The [[British Pacific Fleet]] departed from [[Ceylon]] on 16 January 1945 en route to [[Australia]], and struck Japanese-held oil wells and refineries at [[Palembang]], [[Sumatra]] on 24–29 January 1945 in [[Operation Meridian]].
The [[British Pacific Fleet]] departed from [[Ceylon]] on 16 January 1945 en route to [[Australia]], and struck Japanese-held oil wells and refineries at [[Palembang]], [[Sumatra]] on 24–29 January 1945 in [[Operation Meridian]].


On 29 January, seven Kawasaki Ki-48 of the Army's ''[[Shichisi Mitate Tokubetsu Kōgeki Tai]]'' counter-attacked the Allied fleet at low level as the British aircraft were returning from Palembang. The British radar picture was confused by the presence of over 100 friendly aircraft and the first two or three [[Supermarine Seafire]] [[Combat air patrol|CAP]] interceptions did not occur until just before the Ki-48 formation entered the air defence zone. The last pair of Seafires chased the five remaining Ki-48s inside the screen, and with the support of returning [[Vought F4U Corsair]]s and [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]s which had just been scrambled, shot down all of them, amongst intense AA fire. One Seafire was slightly damaged and one Hellcat was written off by friendly fire, but the only ship to be damaged was the carrier {{HMS|Illustrious|R87|6}}, hit by heavy AA shells.
On 29 January, seven Kawasaki Ki-48 of the Army's ''[[Shichisi Mitate Tokubetsu Kōgeki Tai]]'' counter-attacked the Allied fleet at low level as the British aircraft were returning from Palembang. The British radar picture was confused by the presence of over 100 friendly aircraft and the first two or three [[Supermarine Seafire]] [[Combat air patrol|CAP]] interceptions did not occur until just before the Ki-48 formation entered the air defence zone. The last pair of Seafires chased the five remaining Ki-48s inside the screen, and with the support of returning [[Vought F4U Corsair]]s and [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]s which had just been scrambled, shot down all of them, amongst intense AA fire. One Seafire was slightly damaged and one Hellcat was written off due to friendly fire, but the only ship to be damaged was the carrier {{HMS|Illustrious|R87|6}}, hit by heavy AA shells.

[[File:Kawasaki Ki-48 Lily.jpg|thumb|A modified Ki-48 with a Ne-0 turbojet under the bomb bay during testing]]
[[File:Kawasaki Ki-48 Lily.jpg|thumb|A modified Ki-48 with a Ne-0 turbojet under the bomb bay during testing]]

Such success, minor by Pacific fighting standards at the time, gave the British Pacific Fleet useful expertise and confidence in its ability to deal with ''kamikaze'' attacks.
Such success, minor by Pacific fighting standards at the time, gave the British Pacific Fleet useful expertise and confidence in its ability to deal with ''kamikaze'' attacks.


==Variants==
==Variants==
; Ki-48
; Ki-48
:Four [[prototype]]s with {{cvt|708|kW|0}} [[Nakajima Ha25]] engines and five pre-production aircraft, with modified tail surfaces.
:Four [[prototype]]s with {{cvt|708|kW|hp-metric|0}} [[Nakajima Ha25]] engines and five pre-production aircraft, with modified tail surfaces.
; Ki-48-Ia
; Ki-48-Ia
:Army Type 99 Twin Engine Light Bomber Model 1A; as first series model. Produced from 1940, 557 built.
:Army Type 99 Twin Engine Light Bomber Model 1A; as first series model. Produced from 1940, 557 built.
; Ki-48-Ib,
; Ki-48-Ib,
:Similar to the Ia, with changes in defensive machine gun mountings.
:Similar to the Ia, with changes in defensive machine gun mountings.
*Total production of Ki-48 Ia and Ib: 557 aircraft
* Total production of Ki-48 Ia and Ib: 557 aircraft
; Ki-48-II
; Ki-48-II
:Three prototypes built.
:Three prototypes built.
Line 68: Line 70:
; Ki-174
; Ki-174
:Single-seat special attack version. Not built.
:Single-seat special attack version. Not built.

* Total production of all versions: 1,997 aircraft
* Total production of all versions: 1,997 aircraft


Line 74: Line 75:
;{{JPN}}
;{{JPN}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
{{div col|colwidth=30em}}
*[[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]]<ref>{{Harvnb|Bueschell|1971|pp=49–50.}}</ref>
* [[Imperial Japanese Army Air Force]]<ref>{{Harvnb|Bueschel|1972|pp=49–50.}}</ref>
** 3rd Attack Air Combat Regiment (June 1942 – June 1945)
** 3rd Attack Air Combat Regiment (June 1942 – June 1945)
** 6th Attack Air Combat Regiment (1942–1945)
** 6th Attack Air Combat Regiment (1942–1945)
Line 97: Line 98:
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}
;{{China as ROC}}
;{{China as ROC}}
*[[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]]
* [[Chinese Nationalist Air Force]]
**6th Group
** 6th Group
***5th Squadron operated captured aircraft.
*** 5th Squadron operated captured aircraft.
;{{PRC}}
;{{PRC}}
*[[Chinese Communist Air Force]] operated captured aircraft. The last Ki-48 retired from training role in 1952.
* [[Chinese Communist Air Force]] operated captured aircraft. The last Ki-48 retired from training role in 1952.
;{{IDN}}
;{{IDN}}
*[[Indonesian People's Security Force]] operated one aircraft against Dutch colonial rule. This aircraft was put together from bits and pieces of a number of aircraft to become the first twin-engined bomber in the Indonesian People's Security Force.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bueschel|1971|p=12.}}</ref>
* [[Indonesian Air Force]] –then [[People's Security Agency|Indonesian People's Security Force]]– operated one aircraft against Dutch colonial rule. This aircraft was put together from bits and pieces of a number of aircraft to become the first twin-engined bomber in the Indonesian People's Security Force.<ref>{{Harvnb|Bueschel|1972|p=12.}}</ref>


==Surviving aircraft==
==Survivors==
[[File:Kawasaki Ki-48 Sokei (ID unknown) - Victory Park, Moscow (38765629912).jpg|thumb|Kawasaki Ki-48 on display in ‘Victory Park’, [[Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow|Museum of the Great Patriotic War]], [[Poklonnaya Hill]], [[Moscow]], [[Russia]].]]

There is a Ki-48 on display at the [[Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow]].<ref>Kotelnikov, V. Stalin's Captives article in Fly Past magazine, February 2017 p.104 with photo</ref>
There is a Ki-48 on display at the [[Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow]].<ref>{{cite magazine | last = Kotelnikov | first = Vladimir | title = Stalin's Captives | magazine = FlyPast | date = February 2017 | page = 104 }}</ref>
The [[China Aviation Museum]] in [[Datangshan]] has a Kawasaki Ki-48 in Chinese Liberation Army Air Force colours. Some of the parts of the airplane are reproduced.<ref>Hannah, Paul. [http://www.preservedaxisaircraft.com/Japan/Kawasaki/images/KawasakiKi48.jpg "Kawasaki Ki 48."] ''Preserved axis aircraft''. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.</ref><ref>[http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/Asia/China/Beijing/China_Aviation_Museum.htm "Kawasaki Ki-48-II (replica)."] ''China Aviation Museum (中国航空博物馆),'' Datangshan. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.</ref>
The [[China Aviation Museum]] in [[Datangshan]] has a Kawasaki Ki-48 in Chinese Liberation Army Air Force colours. Some of the parts of the airplane are reproduced.<ref>{{cite web | last = Hannah | first = Paul | url = http://preservedaxisaircraft.com/Japan/Kawasaki/Kawasaki.htm | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20111219084903/http://preservedaxisaircraft.com/Japan/Kawasaki/Kawasaki.htm | archive-date = 2011-12-19 | title = Kawasaki Ki 48 | website = Preserved axis aircraft }}</ref><ref>[http://www.aviationmuseum.eu/World/Asia/China/Beijing/China_Aviation_Museum.htm "Kawasaki Ki-48-II (replica)."] ''China Aviation Museum (中国航空博物馆),'' Datangshan. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.</ref>
The Indonesian Air Force Museum is also known to have a Ki-48 in its collection.<ref>[http://www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/indonesia/babo/index.html "Babo airfield."] ''www.pacificwrecks.com''. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.</ref>
The [[Dirgantara Mandala Museum|Indonesian Air Force Museum]] in [[Yogyakarta]] is also known to have a Ki-48 in its collection.<ref>[http://www.pacificwrecks.com/airfields/indonesia/babo/index.html "Babo airfield."] ''www.pacificwrecks.com''. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.</ref>
{{clear}}


==Specifications (Ki-48-IIa)==
==Specifications (Ki-48-IIa)==
[[File:Kawasaki Ki-48 3-view line drawing.png|thumb|3-view drawing of the Kawasaki Ki-48]]

{{Aircraft specs
{{Aircraft specs
|ref=Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft<ref>{{Harvnb|Jackson|2002|p=?.}}</ref>, Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1979|p=107.}}</ref>, Kawasaki Ki.48-I/II Sokei in Japanese Army Air Force-CNAF & IPSF Service, Aircam No.32<ref>{{Harvnb|Bueschell|1971|pp=50–51.}}</ref>
|ref=''Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft,''<ref>{{Harvnb|Jackson|2002|p=?.}}</ref> ''Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War'',<ref>{{Harvnb|Francillon|1987|p=107.}}</ref> ''and Kawasaki Ki.48-I/II Sokei in Japanese Army Air Force-CNAF & IPSF Service, Aircam No.32'' <ref>{{Harvnb|Bueschel|1972|pp=50–51.}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
|prime units?=met
<!--
<!--
Line 155: Line 157:
-->
-->
|max speed kmh=505
|max speed kmh=505
|max speed note=at {{cvt|5600|m|0}}
|max speed note=at {{cvt|5600|m}}
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed kmh=
|cruise speed note=
|cruise speed note=
Line 182: Line 184:
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|fuel consumption kg/km=
|power/mass=
|power/mass=
|more performance=<!--</br>
|more performance=<!--
*'''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
* '''Take-off run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Take-off distance to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
* '''Take-off distance to {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
* '''Landing run:''' {{cvt||m|0}}
*'''Landing distance from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->
* '''Landing distance from {{cvt|15|m|0}}:''' {{cvt||m|0}}-->
<!--
<!--
Armament
Armament
Line 211: Line 213:
}}
}}


==References==
==Notes==
⚫
{{Reflist}}
;Notes

⚫
{{Reflist|2}}
;Bibliography
==Bibliography==
* {{Cite book|last=Bueschel|first=Richard M.| title=Kawasaki Ki. 48-I/II Sokei : in Japanese Army Air Force, CNAF & IPSF service|date=1972|publisher=Osprey|others=Richard Ward|isbn=0-85045-133-7|location=Reading|oclc=1083005847}}
{{refbegin}}
* {{Cite book|last=Francillon|first=René J.| title=Japanese aircraft of the Pacific War|date=1987 | orig-date = 1979|publisher=Putnam Aeronautical Books|isbn=0-85177-801-1|location=London|oclc=6124909 | edition = 2nd }}
* Bueschel, Richard M. ''Kawasaki Ki.48-I/II Sokei in Japanese Army Air Force-CNAF & IPSF Service, Aircam No.32''. Canterbury, Kent, UK: Osprey Publishing Ltd., 1972. {{ISBN|0-85045-133-7}}.
* {{cite journal |last1=Green|first1=William|last2=Swanborough|first2=Gordon|name-list-style=amp |title=Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation|journal=Air Enthusiast Quarterly |date=n.d. |issue=2 |pages=154–162 |issn=0143-5450}}
* Francillon, Ph.D., René J. ''Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War''. London: Putnam and Company, 1970 (2nd edition 1979). {{ISBN|0-370-30251-6}}.
* Jackson, Robert. ''The Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft''. London: Parragon, 2002. {{ISBN|0-7525-8130-9}}.
* {{cite book |last=Jackson |first=Robert |title=The Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft |year=2002 |location=London |publisher=Parragon |isbn=0-7525-8130-9}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Millot|first1=Bernard|title=Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" (1)|journal=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=November 1977|issue=96|pages=20–25|issn=0757-4169|language=fr|trans-title=Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" Part One}}
{{refend}}
* {{cite journal |last1=Millot|first1=Bernard|title=Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" (2)|journal=Le Fana de l'Aviation |date=December 1977|issue=97|pages=31–35|issn=0757-4169|language=fr|trans-title=Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" Part Two}}


==External links==
==External links==
{{commons category|Kawasaki Ki-48}}
{{Commons category|Kawasaki Ki-48}}
* [http://www.century-of-flight.freeola.com/Aviation%20history/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Kawasaki%20Ki%2048%20Lily.htm Century of Flight]
* [http://www.century-of-flight.freeola.com/Aviation%20history/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Kawasaki%20Ki%2048%20Lily.htm Century of Flight]
* [http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/IJARG/kawasakiki48.html Warbirds Resource Group]
* [http://www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org/IJARG/kawasakiki48.html Warbirds Resource Group]
* [http://ndlsearch.ndl.go.jp/books/R100000002-I024881866 Manual for Operating Type 99 Twin-Engined Light Bomber – National Diet Library]


{{Kawasaki aircraft}}
{{Kawasaki aircraft}}
{{Japanese Army Aircraft Designation System}}
{{Japanese Army Aircraft Designation System}}
{{Allied reporting names}}
{{Allied reporting names}}
{{Authority control}}


[[Category:Kawasaki aircraft|Ki-048]]
[[Category:Kawasaki aircraft|Ki-048]]
Line 235: Line 240:
[[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 18:06, 30 November 2024

Ki-48
Kawasaki Ki-48
General information
TypeLight bomber
ManufacturerKawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K.
Designer
StatusRetired
Primary userImperial Japanese Army Air Force
Number built1,997
History
Introduction date1940
Retired1945

The Kawasaki Ki-48 (Japanese: 九九式雙發輕爆擊機, romanized: kyuukyuu-shiki-souhatu-keibaku-gekki, shortened to 'Soukei', Army Type 99 Twin-engined Light Bomber), was a Japanese twin-engine light bomber that was used during World War II. Its Allied reporting name was "Lily".

Design and development

[edit]

The development of the aircraft began at the end of 1937 at the request of the Japanese military high command. Kawasaki received an order to develop a "high-speed bomber" capable of 480 km/h (300 mph) at 3,000 m (9,800 ft), and able to reach 5,000 m (16,000 ft) within 10 minutes. The design was inspired by the Soviet Tupolev SB.

Kawasaki had the advantage of the experience of designing the Ki-45 twin-engined heavy fighter. Most technical problems were solved; however the aircraft had a number of shortcomings. It carried only an 800 kg (1,760 lb) bombload. This was actually more than contemporary light bombers such as the Bristol Blenheim or Tupolev SB, and only slightly less than light bombers designed several years later, such as the A-20 Havoc, and the strikingly similar-appearing Martin Maryland and Baltimore. Speed was intended to be its primary defense, much like the later, unarmed, de Havilland Mosquito. So it had only three machine guns (again, an equivalent armament to contemporary light bombers). This made it very vulnerable to enemy fighters later in the war, once they became fast enough to actually catch it. The flight characteristics of the Ki-48 also left much to be desired. Newer generations of Allied fighters caught up in speed, and eventually, the Ki-48 was too slow to outrun them, while superior modern Japanese aircraft, such as the Yokosuka P1Y and the Mitsubishi Ki-67, could only be produced in small numbers. The first versions were lightly armoured, so the Ki-48 was quite aerobatic, and could loop and turn with an experienced pilot at the controls. The aircraft was often used as a dive bomber in Burma. The aircraft was not necessarily a failure, and was considered an acceptable light bomber for the first few years of the war by many historians. Much like the Mitsubishi A6M Zero fighter, it was satisfactory for the period when it was designed and produced.

Operational history

[edit]
Kawasaki Ki-48 after Japanese surrender

The aircraft served in China from late 1940, replacing the Kawasaki Ki-32, and were widely used in the Philippines, Malaya, Burma, New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and the Dutch East Indies, where the Ki-48 Ia and Ib models, slow and badly armed, were supplemented by the marginally improved Ki-48 IIa and IIc, which were maintained in service along with the older types until the end of the war.

All models continued in service until the Battle of Okinawa during April 1945, when many were converted into kamikaze aircraft (Ki-48-II KAI Tai-Atari) armed with an 800 kg (1,760 lb) bomb. Some aircraft were modified to act as testbeds; one carried the Kawasaki Ki-148 guided missile intended for use on the Kawasaki Ki-102 in late 1944, and one was modified to test a Ne-0 pulsejet engine in late 1944 to early 1945.

The fact that all models continued in service until 1945 reflects that many Ki-48s survived more often than not. This was due to the use of small ship formations (three to ten aircraft) escorted by large numbers of fighters (25–75), typically Nakajima Ki-43s. Although not as fast as more modern fighters, after 1942, the aircraft was still fast enough to enable it to often avoid interception unless it ran into a standing patrol of fighters.[citation needed] The 90th Air Regiment of the 5th Air Army (based in Hopei, north China) equipped with Ki-48s was the only Japanese air unit in China proper to engage the Soviets, although others were advanced in preparation. It flew 20 sorties against the Soviets during 14 August 1945.[citation needed]

Ki-48 Special Attack Unit

[edit]

The British Pacific Fleet departed from Ceylon on 16 January 1945 en route to Australia, and struck Japanese-held oil wells and refineries at Palembang, Sumatra on 24–29 January 1945 in Operation Meridian.

On 29 January, seven Kawasaki Ki-48 of the Army's Shichisi Mitate Tokubetsu Kōgeki Tai counter-attacked the Allied fleet at low level as the British aircraft were returning from Palembang. The British radar picture was confused by the presence of over 100 friendly aircraft and the first two or three Supermarine Seafire CAP interceptions did not occur until just before the Ki-48 formation entered the air defence zone. The last pair of Seafires chased the five remaining Ki-48s inside the screen, and with the support of returning Vought F4U Corsairs and Grumman F6F Hellcats which had just been scrambled, shot down all of them, amongst intense AA fire. One Seafire was slightly damaged and one Hellcat was written off due to friendly fire, but the only ship to be damaged was the carrier HMS Illustrious, hit by heavy AA shells.

A modified Ki-48 with a Ne-0 turbojet under the bomb bay during testing

Such success, minor by Pacific fighting standards at the time, gave the British Pacific Fleet useful expertise and confidence in its ability to deal with kamikaze attacks.

Variants

[edit]
Ki-48
Four prototypes with 708 kW (963 hp) Nakajima Ha25 engines and five pre-production aircraft, with modified tail surfaces.
Ki-48-Ia
Army Type 99 Twin Engine Light Bomber Model 1A; as first series model. Produced from 1940, 557 built.
Ki-48-Ib,
Similar to the Ia, with changes in defensive machine gun mountings.
  • Total production of Ki-48 Ia and Ib: 557 aircraft
Ki-48-II
Three prototypes built.
Ki-48-IIa
Fitted with more powerful engines, a longer fuselage, additional armour, and larger bomb load. Produced from April 1942.
Ki-48-IIb
Dive bomber version, with reinforced fuselage and dive brakes.
Ki-48-IIc
Improved defensive weapons. Produced from 1943.
  • Total production of Ki-48 IIa, IIb and IIc: 1,408 aircraft
Ki-48-II KAI Kamikaze (Type Tai-Atari)
Conversion with 800 kg (1,760 lb) of explosives and two or three crew for kamikaze missions
Ki-66
Nose turret removed and replaced with solid nose fitted with 2x fixed forward firing 12.7mm machine guns. 8 prototypes built of varying configurations. None selected for mass production due to minimal increase in speed. Dive brakes used on Ki-48 IIb.
Ki-81
Proposed version of the Ki-48. Not built.
Ki-174
Single-seat special attack version. Not built.
  • Total production of all versions: 1,997 aircraft

Operators

[edit]
 Japan
  • Imperial Japanese Army Air Force[1]
    • 3rd Attack Air Combat Regiment (June 1942 – June 1945)
    • 6th Attack Air Combat Regiment (1942–1945)
    • 8th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (August 1941 – 1945)
    • 12th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (April 1944 – August 1945)
    • 16th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (1941–1945)
    • 34th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (October 1942 – April 1944)
    • 35th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (1942–1944)
    • 45th Attack Air Combat Regiment (July 1940 – February 1944)
    • 65th Attack/Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (1940 – July 1941)
    • 75th Attack Air Combat Regiment (1941 – April 1945)
    • 90th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (October 1941 – August 1945)
    • 206th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (June 1941 – July 1941)
    • 208th Light Bomber Air Combat Regiment (March 1941 – May 1945)
    • 82nd Independent Light Bomber Company (1940–1942)
    • 21st Independent Headquarters Flight (July 1939-15 October 1942)
    • Hokota Army Light Bomber Flying School
    • Hokota Light Bomber Instructing Flight Division
    • Mito Army Flying School
    • Army Aviation Maintenance School
    • Tokorozawa Army Aviation Maintenance School
 China
 People's Republic of China
 Indonesia

Surviving aircraft

[edit]
Kawasaki Ki-48 on display in ‘Victory Park’, Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Poklonnaya Hill, Moscow, Russia.

There is a Ki-48 on display at the Museum of the Great Patriotic War, Moscow.[3] The China Aviation Museum in Datangshan has a Kawasaki Ki-48 in Chinese Liberation Army Air Force colours. Some of the parts of the airplane are reproduced.[4][5] The Indonesian Air Force Museum in Yogyakarta is also known to have a Ki-48 in its collection.[6]

Specifications (Ki-48-IIa)

[edit]
3-view drawing of the Kawasaki Ki-48

Data from Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft,[7] Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War,[8] and Kawasaki Ki.48-I/II Sokei in Japanese Army Air Force-CNAF & IPSF Service, Aircam No.32 [9]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 4
  • Length: 12.75 m (41 ft 10 in)
  • Wingspan: 17.45 m (57 ft 3 in)
  • Height: 3.8 m (12 ft 6 in)
  • Wing area: 40 m2 (430 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 4,550 kg (10,031 lb)
  • Gross weight: 6,500 kg (14,330 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 6,750 kg (14,881 lb)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Nakajima Ha115 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 843 kW (1,130 hp) each
  • Propellers: 3-bladed variable-pitch propellers

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 505 km/h (314 mph, 273 kn) at 5,600 m (18,400 ft)
  • Range: 2,400 km (1,500 mi, 1,300 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 10,100 m (33,100 ft)

Armament

  • Guns: 3 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 89 machine guns, in nose, dorsal and ventral positions
  • Bombs: 800 kg (1,764 lb) of bombs

See also

[edit]

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Notes

[edit]
  1. ^ Bueschel 1972, pp. 49–50.
  2. ^ Bueschel 1972, p. 12.
  3. ^ Kotelnikov, Vladimir (February 2017). "Stalin's Captives". FlyPast. p. 104.
  4. ^ Hannah, Paul. "Kawasaki Ki 48". Preserved axis aircraft. Archived from the original on 2011-12-19.
  5. ^ "Kawasaki Ki-48-II (replica)." China Aviation Museum (中国航空博物馆), Datangshan. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.
  6. ^ "Babo airfield." www.pacificwrecks.com. Retrieved: 25 August 2010.
  7. ^ Jackson 2002, p. ?.
  8. ^ Francillon 1987, p. 107.
  9. ^ Bueschel 1972, pp. 50–51.

Bibliography

[edit]
  • Bueschel, Richard M. (1972). Kawasaki Ki. 48-I/II Sokei : in Japanese Army Air Force, CNAF & IPSF service. Richard Ward. Reading: Osprey. ISBN 0-85045-133-7. OCLC 1083005847.
  • Francillon, René J. (1987) [1979]. Japanese aircraft of the Pacific War (2nd ed.). London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 0-85177-801-1. OCLC 6124909.
  • Green, William & Swanborough, Gordon (n.d.). "Pentagon Over the Islands: The Thirty-Year History of Indonesian Military Aviation". Air Enthusiast Quarterly (2): 154–162. ISSN 0143-5450.
  • Jackson, Robert (2002). The Encyclopedia of Military Aircraft. London: Parragon. ISBN 0-7525-8130-9.
  • Millot, Bernard (November 1977). "Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" (1)" [Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" Part One]. Le Fana de l'Aviation (in French) (96): 20–25. ISSN 0757-4169.
  • Millot, Bernard (December 1977). "Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" (2)" [Kawasaki Type 99 Ki.48 "Lily" Part Two]. Le Fana de l'Aviation (in French) (97): 31–35. ISSN 0757-4169.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Kawasaki Ki-48.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=Kawasaki_Ki-48&oldid=1260425531"