Mitsubishi Type 0 Observation Seaplane / F1M2 Pete
Technical Information
Background
The Mitsubishi Type 0 Observation Seaplane 零式水上観測機 / F1M2 entered service in 1941 as a high performance biplane powered by a nine
cylinder radial engine. Allied code named Pete. At the center was a large float with two
small outboard stabilizing floats.
Powered by a Nakajima Aarika
nine-cylinder air-cooled radial driving a two or three bladed propeller. Armament included 2 x 7.7mm machine guns in the nose cowling plus a single flexible 7.7mm machine gun operated by the rear gunner. Under each wing were bomb racks for 2 x 60 kg bombs.
Variants
F1M1: 4 prototypes.
F1M1: Two-seat reconnaissance floatplane.
F1M2-K: Two-seat training version.
Wartime History
The F1M2 Pete was used for the duration of the the Pacific War, it earned a commendable war
record as an interceptor, dive-bomber, convoy escort, coastal
patrol and reconnaissance aircraft.
Production
A total of 1,118 were built.
Technical Details
Crew Two (pilot, rear gunner)
Engine 1 x Nakajima Aarika
nine-cylinder air-cooled radial with a two or three bladed propeller
Span 11m
Length 9.5m
Height 4m
Maximum Speed 200 km/h
Range 400 miles
Armament (nose) 2 x 7.7mm machine guns (rear) 7.7mm machine gun
Bomb load (wings) 2 x 60 kg bomb
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