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. As the project progressed the Japanese Army took over the project.

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.

Wings

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

Prototype

The first Ki-57 prototype was finished in July 1940.

Production

• Mitsubishi Ki-57: 101
• Mitsubishi Ki-57-II:
• Total: 507
  • Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Jukogyo K.K.
  • Production: July 1940 - January 1945

Variants

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

Usage

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

Paratroop Drop at Palembang

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

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. They were used until October 10, 1945.