Japanese Naval Flag

Japan's Mitsubishi F1M reconnaissance floatplane, Navy Type 0
Allied Code Name: Pete

Photos

Mitsubishi F1M floatplane:
Japan's Mitsubishi F1M floatplane 		Mitsubishi F1M floatplane:
Japan's Mitsubishi F1M floatplane		    
Mitsubishi F1M2 floatplane:
Japan's Mitsubishi F1M2 floatplane		      

Design

The Mitsubishi F1M was designed to be a catapult launched observation floatplane.1 It was to meet a late 1934 Imperial Japanese Navy specification for a replacement for the Nakajima E8N1.1,2 Aichi and Kawanishi also tried to meet the requirements.2 Kawanishi withdrew and Aichi's was inadequate.2

The Mitsubishi design team was lead by Joji Hattori.2

A couple problems the F1M had was it would often porpoise in water and directional stability in flight.1

Floats

There was a main, central, float, and two stabilizers attached to the lower wing.2

Upgrade

The F1M2 was a major redesign that appeared in 1939.1

Prototype

The prototype was designated the Ka-17, F1M1 by the military, and first flew in June 1936.1,2

Production

Production ended in March 1944.1

  • Mitsubishi F1M1: 41,4
  • Mitsubishi F1M2: 1,1141
    • Mitsubishi: 5241
    • Dai-Nijuichi: 5901
  • Total: 1,1181,2
    • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.2

Variants

  • Mitsubishi Ka-17 / F1M1: Prototype.1,2 Had Nakajima Hikari 1 radial 9 engine (820 HP).1,2
  • Mitsubishi F1M2: Increased vertical tail surfaces.1 Longer cowling.1 Straight taper wings.1 Wing dihedral was reduced.1,2
  • Mitsubishi F1M2-K: Trainer.1,2 Converted from F1M2.1,2

Usage

Variety of Duties

The F1M was very versatile and was used as a coastal patrol, convoy escort, search and rescue, ocean patrol, transport, anti submarine, interceptor, dive bomber, and bombing.1 It could be operated from water bases and ships.1

The F1M was an aircraft carrier based aircraft that was used the most by the Imperial Japanese Navy.2 Eight battleships, nine cruisers, and six seaplane ships were equipped with the F1M2.2

Specifications

  Mitsubishi F1M1 Mitsubishi F1M12 Mitsubishi F1M21,2
Type Reconnaissance floatplane1 Reconnaissance2 Reconnaissance2
Crew 21   22
Engine (Type)   Nakajima Hikari 12 Mitsubishi Zuisei 131,2
Cylinders   Radial2 Radial 141,2
Cooling     Air2
Net HP     8751,2
Propeller blades   2 metal2 31, 3 metal2
Dimensions      
Span     36' 2"2, 36' 11"1
11 m1
Length     31' 2"1,2
9.5 m1
Height     13' 1"2, 13' 1.5"1
4.02 m1
Wing area      
Weight      
Empty     4,250 lb1
1,928 kg1
Normal load     5,622 lb1,2
2,550 kg1
Maximum load     6,294 lb1
2,855 kg1
Performance      
Speed @ 11,285' /
3,440 m 		    230 mph1,2
370 kph1
Cruising speed     127 mph1
204 kph1
Climb     1,968'/minute1
600 m/minute1
Climb to 9,840' /
3,000 m 		    5.1 minutes1
Climb to 16,405' /
5,000 m 		    9.6 minutes1
Service ceiling     30,970'1,2
9,440 m1
Range     460 miles1,2
740 km1
Armament     3: MG2
Nose 2: 7.7 mm MG1    
Rear cockpit 1: 7.7 mm MG1    
Bombs     132 lb2
Bombs - under wings 2: 132 lb1
2: 60 kg1 		   

Sources:

  1. Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
  2. World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976