Mitsubishi 3MT5
Mitsubishi · Japan · first flew 1932 · bomber
The Mitsubishi 3MT5 was a Japanese bomber of the 1930s, a twin-engined biplane intended to operate from aircraft carriers. Eleven were built.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 12.05 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Twin fin |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engined two-bay biplane with folding wings
- Twin tail on the later aircraft, replacing the single fin and rudder
- Fixed tailwheel undercarriage
It was difficult to control and suffered severe vibration, which in March 1934 tore all four ailerons from one prototype in flight; that aircraft landed safely.
Specifications
- The Mitsubishi 3MT5 has a length of 12.05 m (40 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 20.7 m (68 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 235 km/h (146 mph).
- Typical crew: 3-5.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The Imperial Japanese Navy issued the requirement in 1929 and ordered it from Mitsubishi in January 1930, with a team led by the British engineer G.E. Petty. The first prototype made its maiden flight on 19 October 1932.
Variants
Three more aircraft were designated 3MT5A. The remaining five prototypes, completed in 1933, had a twin tail, three-bay wings and four-bladed propellers.
Where you'll see it
It was unsuitable for carrier use and was relegated to land-based work as the Navy Type 93 Land-Based Attack Aircraft, mainly as a trainer at the Tateyama Kōkūtai. No production followed.
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