Japanese Army Flag

Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport, Army Type 100
Allied Code Name: Topsy

Photos

Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport:
Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport 		Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport:
Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport		 Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport used as a "surrender" aircraft at end of war:
Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport used as a "surrender" aircraft at end of war		  
Mitsubishi MC.20, Y-98 transport:
Japan's Mitsubishi MC.20, Y-98 transport
Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook 		Mitsubishi MC.20, Y-98 transport:
Japan's Mitsubishi MC.20, Y-98 transport
Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook 		   

Design

Dai Nippon Koku K.K. asked Mitsubishi to design and build a civilian transport similar to the Ki-21 bomber.1 As the project progressed the Japanese Army took over the project.1

The design of the Ki-57 took many of the same parts of the plane from the Ki-21 bomber, but the fuselage was unique.1

Wings

The wings on the Ki-57 were placed low in relation to the fuselage.1

Prototype

The first Ki-57 prototype was finished in July 1940.1

Production

  • Mitsubishi Ki-57: 1011
  • Mitsubishi Ki-57-II:
  • Total: 5071
    • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.1
    • Production: July 1940 - January 19451

Variants

  • Mitsubishi Ki-57: Army transport.1
  • Mitsubishi MC-20: Civilian transport.1
  • Mitsubishi L4M1: Navy transport.1
  • Mitsubishi Ki-57-II: More powerful engine which caused engine housing to be redeveloped.1
  • Mitsubishi MC-20-II: Civilian transport.1

Usage

The Ki-57 was the Japanese Army's standard transport aircraft and was used to transport personnel and paratroops.1

Paratroop Drop at Palembang

The Ki-57s were used on February 14, 1942, in a paratroop drop at the Palembang oil installation in Sumatra.1 Seven hundred paratroopers were dropped.1

After World War II

One of the few aircraft to continue serving after World War II, the remaining Ki-57s were used by Dai Nippon Koku K.K.1 They were used until October 10, 1945.1

Specifications

  Mitsubishi Ki-571 Mitsubishi MC.20 Mitsubishi Ki-57-II1
Type Transport1 Transport2 Transport1
Crew     41
Passengers     111
Engine (Type) 2: Nakajima Ha-5 KAI1 2: Mitsubishi Kinsei2 2: Mitsubishi Ha-1021
Cylinders     Radial 141
Cooling     Air1
Net HP 950 each1 850 each2 1,080 each1
Propeller blades      
Dimensions      
Span   74'2 74' 1"1
Length   52' 9"2 52' 10"1
Height   16' 2"2 15' 11"1
Wing area      
Weight      
Empty      
Normal load   18,300 lb2 18,018 lb1
Maximum load      
Performance      
Speed @ 19,090'     292 mph1
Climb      
Service ceiling     26,250'1
Range   1,500 miles2 1,865 miles1
Armament     None1

Sources:

  1. World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
  2. Aeronautics Aircraft Spotters' Handbook, Ensign L. C. Guthman, 1943