Kawasaki Type 99 Light Bomber Ki-48 (Lily)
Technical Information
Background
Japanese called this
bomber 'Kyu Kyu Sohkei' (Type 99 twin engine light bomber). The
Japanese Army Air Force's first modern twin engine light
bomber and was used hevily during the China War.
After the start of the Pacific War against more
modern aircraft, its speed, defensive firepower and bomb
load were sorely lacking despite design changes to upgrade performance
in the model II. Its bomb load was less bombs than many fighter-bombers.
Nevertheless production continued until 1944.
Despite this, it was widely used in New Guinea and
Burma theaters, but was largely regulated to operating at night
or under total air superiority.
Ki-48-I
The Model 1 had the Ha-25 engines
Ki-48-II (Type 99 Twin Engine Light Bomber Model 2 Otsu)
This model was produced from July 1943 through October 1944. The range of Manufacture Numbers for the Ki-48-II Otsu and Hei was 2001-2858. The true serial-number range was 1-858.
The Model 2 had Ha-115 engines and different air scoops. Some of the last planes being designated Model 2 Hei because of an increase in armament. A model of the Ki-48 was equipped with slat-type air brakes (dive brakes) so that the plane could be used as a dive bomber.
Prodcution
A total of 1,977 were built.
