Mitsubishi C5M Type 98 / Ki-15 Type 97 (Babs)
Technical Information
Background
Prewar civilian design, famous for making a flight from Tokyo to London with several refueling stops.
Wartime History
In Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) service designated Ki-15 Type 97.
In Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) service, designated C5M Type 98.
Code named "Babs" by the Allies.
Used as a reconnaissance aircraft in China and during the early months of the Pacific War. It had a limited use in the South Pacific, including several that served with the 3rd Kōkūtai.
Production
50 built.
Technical Details
Crew Two (Pilot, radio operator / observer)
Engines One fourteen cylinder air-cooled radial with three bladed
propeller
Span 12m
Length 8.7 m
Height 3.46m
Maximum Speed 199 mph
Range 725 miles
Armament One flexible rear firing 7.7 mm machine gun
Bombload 250 kg (551 lb)
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