Mitsubishi F1M
Template:Infobox Aircraft The Mitsubishi F1M (Allied reporting name "Pete") was a Japanese reconnaissance floatplane of World War II. Between 1936 and 1944, 1,118 were built. The Navy designation was "Type Zero Observation Seaplane" (零式水上観測機).
Design and development
The F1M1 was powered by the Nakajima Hikari MK1 radial engine, delivering 611 kW (820 hp), a maximum speed of 368 km/h (230 mph) and operating range of up to 1,072 km (670 miles) (when overloaded). It provided the Imperial Japanese Navy with a very versatile operations platform.
Optionally armed with a maximum of 3 x 7.7 mm machine guns (2 fixed forward-firing and one flexible rear-firing) and 2 x 60 kg (132 pound) bombs
Operational history
The F1M was originally built as a catapult-launched reconnaissance float plane. However the "Pete" took on a number of local roles including area-defense fighter, convoy escort, bomber, anti-submarine, ocean patrol, rescue and transport. The type fought dogfights in the Aleutians, the Solomons and several other theaters. See also PT 34 sunk 9 April 1942 by "Petes".
Variants
- F1M1 : Prototypes. Four built.
- F1M2 : Two-seat reconnaissance floatplane for the Imperial Japanese Navy.
- F1M2-K : Two-seat training version.
Operators
Specifications (F1M1)
General characteristics
- Crew: two, pilot and rear gunner
Performance
Armament
- 2 x fixed forward 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns
- 1 x flexible rear 7.7mm Type 89 machine gun
- 2 x 60 kg (132 lb) bombs
Gallery
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Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" biplane/floatplane -
Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" biplane/floatplane -
Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" biplane/floatplane, rear view
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era SOC Seagull - Fairey Seafox Related lists List of military aircraft of Japan