JAAF  Japanese Army Air Force

Mitsubishi Ki-51 (Sonia)
Single engine ground attack aircraft with a crew of two that carried a mere 441 lbs of bombs and was armed with only three 7.7 machine guns (two in wings, one flexible gun for rear gunner). Despite its apparent obsolescence it was never replaced. Pilots and ground crews liked the plane because it was easy to fly, maintain, and operate from small airfields at the front lines. A total of 2,388 were built.

Reconnaissance Version (Guntei)
Army recon version

Assault Version
The assault version had armor plating protecting the pilot and oil tanks, and bomb racks.

 

Role  

 Assault Aircraft

Crew  

 2

Engines  

 1 x 14 cylinder air cooled

Span  

 12.1 m

Length  
9.21m
Height  
2.73m
Max. Speed  
263 mph
Range  
660 miles
Armament  

 (wings) 2 x 12.7mm MG
(rear) 1 x 7.7mm MG

Bombload  

441 lbs

 

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