Mitsubishi Ki-20

Mitsubishi · Japan · first flew 1932 · bomber

The Mitsubishi Ki-20 was a Japanese Army heavy bomber, one of the largest aircraft operated by Japan in the 1930s. It was derived from the Junkers G.38 commercial airliner under licence.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	High-mounted, straight
E — Engines	4 × piston, wing-mounted
F — Fuselage	23.2 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Japanese four-engine heavy bomber derived from Junkers G.38
Very long-span cantilever monoplane wing
Crew stations located within the wing structure

Immediately recognisable by its massive 44-metre wingspan, four engines mounted in the leading edge of the enormous cantilever high wing, and the angular Junkers-derived fuselage.

Specifications

The Mitsubishi Ki-20 has a length of 23.2 m (76 ft).
It has a wingspan of 44 m (144 ft).
Its maximum speed is 200 km/h (124 mph).
Typical crew: 10.

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

History

Six examples were built between 1931 and 1933 under a Junkers licence. The aircraft's enormous wing incorporated crew positions and engine access. Though impressive for its era, it was slow and difficult to maintain, serving in Manchuria before being retired in the early 1940s.

Variants

Only six aircraft were built, with minor differences between examples; no distinct production variants were designated.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force based in Manchuria during the 1930s; retired from front-line use by the early 1940s.

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