Tachikawa Ki-70

Ki-70

National origin: Japan
Manufacturer: Tachikawa
First flight: 1943
Status: Prototype
Number built: 3

History

The Tachikawa Ki-70 "CLARA" was a high speed photo reconnaissance aircraft that was tested for the Japanese Air Force in prototype form but never fully entered production. The Ki-70 was the intended successor to the Mitsubishi Ki-46 but was difficult to handle besides being slower than the Mitsubishi Ki-46. The Ki-70 was first flown in 1943 but was found unfavorable and the program was scrapped. Three were built.

In later years the Ki-70 was used to disprove supposed photographic evidence concerning Amelia Earhart's supposed capture by the Japanese before World War II.

Description

Using the familiar layout of aircraft such as the G3M bomber and its planned predecessor the Mitsubishi Ki-46, the Ki-70 had a twin tailed arrangement with a narrow fuselage. The aircraft had an extensively glazed nose and second cockpit facing aft for the gunner.

Specifications (Ha-104M engine)

(Performance estimated except where indicated)

Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War

General characteristics

Crew: 3
Length: 14.50 m (47 ft 6â…ž in)
Wingspan: 17.80 m (58 ft 4¾ in)
Height: 3.46 m (11 ft 4¼ in)
Wing area: 43.0 m² (463 sq ft)
Empty weight: 5,895 kg (12,996 lb)
Loaded weight: 9,855 kg (21,727 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 10,700 kg (23,589 lb)
Powerplant: 2x— Mitsubishi Ha-104M 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine, 2,070 hp (1,544 kW) at 1,000 m (3,300 ft) each

Performance

Maximum speed: 580 km/h (313 knots, 360 mph) (trials performance)
Cruise speed: 490 km/h (263 knots, 304 mph) at 5,400 m (17,700 ft)
Range: 2480 km (1,340 nmi, 1,541 mi)
Service ceiling: 11,000 m (36,100 ft)
Climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft): 5 min

Armament

Guns: 1x 12.7mm MG, 1x 7.7mm MG

Comparable aircraft

Mitsubishi Ki-46

Bibliography

Francillon, Réne J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam, 1970. ISBN 0 370 00033 1.
Francillon, René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam Aeronautical, 1979. ISBN 0-370-30251-6. (new edition 1987. ISBN 0-85177-801-1.)

Tachikawa Ki-70 Pictures

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia