Mitsubishi Ki-51 "Sonia"

Mitsubishi Heavy Industries · Japan · first flew 1939 · bomber

The Mitsubishi Ki-51 (Allied reporting name 'Sonia') was a Japanese Army two-seat ground-attack and army co-operation monoplane that served throughout the Pacific War. Its fixed undercarriage and large radial engine gave it a distinctive profile.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.21 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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WWII Japanese army ground-attack monoplane
Fixed spatted undercarriage with large fairings
Allied reporting name 'Sonia'

A low-wing monoplane with a prominent radial engine, fixed spatted undercarriage with prominent fairings, and a two-seat tandem cockpit with a rear gunner's position. The tapered wing with slightly rounded tips is characteristic.

Specifications

The Mitsubishi Ki-51 has a length of 9.21 m (30 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12.1 m (40 ft).
Its maximum speed is 424 km/h (263 mph).
Typical crew: 2.

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

History

Entering service in 1940, the Ki-51 was widely used in the China theatre and across the Pacific. Despite being outdated by mid-war standards, its low-level performance and ruggedness ensured it remained in production until 1945, with over 2,000 built.

Variants

Production was largely standardised with only minor engine and equipment changes; a two-seat trainer variant was also operated.

Where you'll see it

The Ki-51 served with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force across China, Malaya, the Philippines, and other Pacific theatres from 1940 to 1945. It was also used as a kamikaze aircraft in the war's final stages.

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