Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: Japan
Type: Reconnaissance and Surveillance
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
Mitsubishi Ki-46 Aircraft Overview
The Mitsubishi Ki-46, also known as the “Dinah”, was a twin-engine reconnaissance aircraft developed by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force during World War II. It was designed to carry out long-range reconnaissance missions over enemy territory, and was one of the fastest reconnaissance aircraft of the war.
The Ki-46 had a streamlined, low-wing design with a twin-engine configuration and retractable landing gear. It was armed with two 12.7mm machine guns and could carry up to 800 kg (1,764 lbs) of bombs or cameras for reconnaissance missions.
The Ki-46 was used extensively throughout the war, including in operations in China, the Philippines, and the Pacific theater. It was known for its speed and maneuverability, and was often used to outrun and outmaneuver enemy fighters.
In addition to its reconnaissance role, the Ki-46 was also used as a bomber and interceptor, and was equipped with a radar system in later models to improve its night-fighting capabilities.
Despite its success, the Ki-46 was eventually overshadowed by newer, more advanced reconnaissance aircraft such as the Nakajima Ki-43 Oscar and the Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu. Production of the Ki-46 ceased in 1945, and today, no Ki-46s survive, although some scale models and replicas have been built by aviation enthusiasts.
Mitsubishi Ki-46-II Specifications
- Crew: 2
- Length: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
- Wingspan: 14.7 m (48 ft 3 in)
- Height: 3.88 m (12 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 32 m2 (340 sq ft)
- Empty weight: 3,263 kg (7,194 lb)
- Gross weight: 5,050 kg (11,133 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 5,800 kg (12,787 lb)
- Powerplant: 2 × Mitsubishi Ha-102 (Army Type 100 1,050hp Air Cooled Radial) 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines, 810 kW (1,080 hp) each for take-off. 787 kW (1,055 hp) at 2,800 m (9,186 ft)
- Propellers: 3-bladed constant-speed metal propellers
Mitsubishi Ki-46-II Performance
- Maximum speed: 604 km/h (375 mph, 326 kn) at 5,800 m (19,029 ft)
- Cruise speed: 400 km/h (250 mph, 220 kn) at 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
- Range: 2,474 km (1,537 mi, 1,336 nmi)
- Service ceiling: 10,720 m (35,170 ft)
- Time to altitude: 8,000 m (26,247 ft) in 17 minutes 58 seconds.
Mitsubishi Ki-46-II Armament
- Guns: 1× 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 89 machine gun flexibly mounted in the rear cockpit (not fitted to all models)