Military Wiki
Ki-70
Role Reconnaissance
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Tachikawa
First flight 1943
Status Prototype
Number built 3

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 entered production. The Ki-70 was the intended successor to the Mitsubishi Ki-46 but was difficult to handle and was 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.

History[]

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.[citation needed]

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 [1]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 3
  • Length: 14.50 m (47 ft 6⅞ 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: 2 × 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[2] (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

See also[]

References[]

Notes[]

  1. Francillon 1970, p.258.
  2. Francillon 1970, p.257.

Bibliography[]

External links[]

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