Ki-70
Role Reconnaissance
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Tachikawa Aircraft Company
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 unsatisfactory and the program was terminated. Three aircraft 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 tail and narrow fuselage, an extensively glazed nose and second cockpit facing aft for the gunner.

Specifications (Ha-104M engine)

(Performance estimated)

Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War [1]

General characteristics

1,350 kW (1,810 hp) at 2,200 m (7,200 ft)
1,201 kW (1,610 hp) at 6,100 m (20,000 ft)

Performance

Armament

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

References

Notes

  1. ^ Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Limited. pp. 257–258. ISBN 0 370 30251 6.

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

Tachikawa aircraft
Imperial Japanese Army Air Service aircraft designations
World War II Allied reporting names for Japanese aircraft
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