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 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.

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 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 (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

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

• Mitsubishi Ki-46

References

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

• Complete specifications for the Ki-70