Japan's Mitsubishi Ki-57 transport, Army Type 100
Allied Code Name: Topsy

Photos

Design

Dai Nippon Koku K.K. asked Mitsubishi to design and build a civilian transport similar to the Ki-21 bomber.¹ As the project progressed the Japanese Army took over the project.¹

The design of the Ki-57 took many of the same parts of the plane from the Ki-21 bomber, but the fuselage was unique.¹

Wings

The wings on the Ki-57 were placed low in relation to the fuselage.¹

Prototype

The first Ki-57 prototype was finished in July 1940.¹

Production

• Mitsubishi Ki-57: 101¹
• Mitsubishi Ki-57-II:
• Total: 507¹
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.¹
  • Production: July 1940 - January 1945¹

Variants

• Mitsubishi Ki-57: Army transport.¹
• Mitsubishi MC-20: Civilian transport.¹
• Mitsubishi L4M1: Navy transport.¹
• Mitsubishi Ki-57-II: More powerful engine which caused engine housing to be redeveloped.¹
• Mitsubishi MC-20-II: Civilian transport.¹

Usage

The Ki-57 was the Japanese Army's standard transport aircraft and was used to transport personnel and paratroops.¹

Paratroop Drop at Palembang

The Ki-57s were used on February 14, 1942, in a paratroop drop at the Palembang oil installation in Sumatra.¹ Seven hundred paratroopers were dropped.¹

After World War II

One of the few aircraft to continue serving after World War II, the remaining Ki-57s were used by Dai Nippon Koku K.K.¹ They were used until October 10, 1945.¹