Mitsubishi Ki-83
Mitsubishi · Japan · first flew 1944 · fighter
The Mitsubishi Ki-83 was a high-performance twin-engine long-range fighter developed for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force, boasting one of the highest speeds of any piston-engine fighter of World War II.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine long-range fighter with sleek mid-wing design
- Large twin-boom or conventional tail with two powerful radial engines
- Tandem two-seat cockpit under long greenhouse canopy
Distinguished by its large twin radials on a clean mid-wing, tandem cockpit with an extended greenhouse canopy, and relatively long fuselage giving it a purposeful, streamlined appearance.
Specifications
- The Mitsubishi Ki-83 has a length of 12.5 m (41 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 15.5 m (51 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 705 km/h (438 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed in the final years of the war, the Ki-83 first flew in late 1944 and demonstrated exceptional speed during trials, reaching over 700 km/h. Only four prototypes were completed before Japan's defeat ended production. Its performance rivalled and in some respects surpassed contemporary Allied fighters.
Variants
Only prototypes were built; no production variants entered service.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service; the four prototypes were evaluated by Allied technical teams after the war's end.
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