Tachikawa Ki-70
| 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 terminated. 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 Mitsubishi G3M bomber and its planned predecessor the Mitsubishi Ki-46, the Ki-70 had a twin tailed 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
Performance
- Climb to 5,000 m (16,400 ft): 5 min
Armament
- Guns: 1x 12.7mm MG, 1x 7.7mm MG
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
References
Notes
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.)
External links
