Mitsubishi 1MT

Mitsubishi · Japan · first flew 1922 · bomber

The Mitsubishi 1MT (Type 10 Carrier Torpedo Bomber) was Japan's first purpose-designed carrier-borne torpedo bomber, developed with technical assistance from former Sopwith designer Herbert Smith. It marked the beginning of Japan's indigenous naval aviation manufacturing capability.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — WingsMid-mounted, straight
E — Engines1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage9.78 m fuselage
T — TailConventional

WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.

Spot it by:

Single-engine biplane with a large torpedo crutch under the fuselage, fixed undercarriage, and a rounded sesquiplane-style lower wing; the British design lineage is evident in the fabric-covered wooden structure.

Specifications

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in 1922 and entering service with the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1923, the 1MT was a significant milestone as Japan's first carrier torpedo aircraft. It served aboard the carriers Hōshō and Akagi until replaced by more modern types in the late 1920s.

Variants

Only the original production version was built; it was succeeded by the Mitsubishi B1M.

Where you'll see it

Operated solely by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service aboard carriers in the mid-1920s.

Related aircraft

AircraftIQ — the aircraft field guide: 4,893 recognition guides, live overhead identification, works offline.