Japan's Mitsubishi C5M, Ki-15 reconnaissance; Navy Type 98, Army Type 97
Allied code name: Babs

Photos

Mitsubishi C5M Navy Type 98 reconnaissance:	Mitsubishi Ki-15 Army Type 97 reconnaissance:
Mitsubishi T-98 Karigane (Wild Goose), Army KB-98: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook	Mitsubishi T-98 Karigane (Wild Goose), Army KB-98: Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook
Mitsubishi Ki-15 Army Type 97 reconnaissance:

Design

In the summer of 1935 a specification was put out for an aircraft that could go 280 mph at 8,750', operate between 6,500' and 13,000', and weigh less than 5,000 lbs.¹ In May 1936 a prototype was ready.¹

The Ki-15 was an all metal low winged plane with fixed landing gear.¹

After the Ki-15s excellent performance in the 2nd Sino-Japanese War the Navy ordered 20 of the Ki-15-IIs that were modified for Naval use.¹

Prototype

Production

• Mitsubishi C5M: ~50¹
• Mitsubishi Ki-15:
• Total: 489¹
• Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.¹
• Production: 1937 - ?¹

Variants

• Mitsubishi T-98: Mitsubishi designation.²
• Mitsubishi C5M: Navy version.¹
• Mitsubishi C5M1:
• Mitsubishi C5M2: Appeared in 1940.¹
• Mitsubishi KB-98: Army version.²
• Mitsubishi Ki-15: Army version.¹
• Mitsubishi Ki-15-II: More powerful engine.¹

Usage

Record Flight

The second prototype of the Ki-15 was purchased by Asahi Shimbu, a Japanese newspaper.¹ It was flown by Masaaki Iinuma, pilot, and Kenji Tsukagoshi, navigator almost 10,000 at an average speed of 100 mph between April 6 and April 9, 1937.¹ This was a record at the time.¹ The plane was named Kamikaze.¹

The 1930s

Before World War II the Army's Ki-15 and the Navy's C5M were the most popular reconnaissance planes in the military.¹

2nd Sino-Japanese War

The Ki-15 was first used operationally in the 2nd Sino-Japanese War.¹

World War II

The Ki-15s and C5Ms were used operationally through 1942.¹ They were eventually relegated to training and liaison tasks.¹

Finds Prince of Wales and Repulse

On December 10, 1941, a C5M2 was the first to spot the Prince of Wales and Repulse.¹

Specifications

	Mitsubishi C5M2	Mitsubishi T-98
Type	Reconnaissance1	Light bomber2
Crew	21
Engine (Type)	Nakajima Sakae 121	Mitsubishi Kinsei A-142
Cylinders	Radial 141	Radial2
Cooling	Air1
Net HP	9501	8002
Propeller blades
Dimensions
Span	39' 4"1	39' 4"2
Length	28' 6"1	27'2
Height	11' 4"1	9' 2"2
Wing area
Weight
Empty
Loaded	5,170 lb1	8,000 lb2
Performance
Speed		300 mph2
Speed @ 14,930'	303 mph1
Climb
Service ceiling	31,430'1
Range	691 miles1	1,500 miles2
Armament	1: MG1	1: MG2