Mitsubishi B1M
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| B1M | |
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| Type | Torpedo bomber |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi |
| Maiden flight | 1923 |
| Introduction | 1924 |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Navy |
| Number built | 443 |
| Variants | Mitsubishi 2MB |
The Mitsubishi B1M was a Japanese torpedo bomber of the 1920s, also known as the Navy Type 13 Carrier-Borne Attack Aircraft. It was designed and built by Mitsubishi and used in combat against China.
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[edit] Development
While working with the Mitsubishi company, the British aircraft designer Herbert Smith designed the 2MT1 two-seat biplane torpedo bomber which flew for the first time in January 1923.[1] It went into Japanese Navy service as the Type 13-1 carrier-borne attack aircraft or B1M1, and was followed by the 2MT2 and 2MT3 variants (also designated B1M1). The redesigned Type 13-2 was designated B1M2. The final version, the Type 13-3 or B1M3, had the company designation 3MT2 and was a three-seater. Total production was 443.[1] The B1M was powered by a 335kW Napier Lion or Hispano-Suiza engine according to version.
[edit] Operational history
The type entered service in 1924 and served into the 1930s, 32 flying from the aircraft carriers Kaga and Hōshō during the Shanghai Incident in 1932.[1] An aircraft from Kaga was lost during the famous air encounter when American volunteer pilot Robert Short lost his life while flying for the Chinese.
From 1929, a number of surplus B1Ms were converted for civilian use, being fitted with an enclosed cabin for passengers or cargo.
[edit] Variants
- B1M1
- Initial two seat production version powered by 450 hp Napier Lion engine - formal (long) navy designation Navy Type 13-1 Carrier Attack Aircraft. Company designation 2MT1, 2MT2 and 2MT3. 197 built by Mitsubishi.[2]
- 2MT4
- Experimental reconnaissance seaplane version. One built.
- 2MT5
- Prototype 2 seat torpedo bomber powered by 450 hp Mitsubishi Hi engine (licenced built Hispano-Suiza). One built.
- B1M2
- Three seat production torpedo bomber, based on 2MT5, powered by Mitsubishi Hi engine. - formal (long) navy designation Navy Type 13-2 Carrier Attack Aircraft. Company designation 3MT1. 115 built by Mitsubishi.
- B1M3
- Improved B1M2 with revised propellor and reduction gear. Long Navy designation Navy Type 13-3 Carrier Attack Aircraft. Company designation 3MT2. 128 built by Mitsubishi and Hiro Naval Arsenal.
- T-1.2 Converted Aeroplane
- Civil conversion of B1M. Several variations on type. Enclosed cabin for two or three passengers. Powered by original Lion or Hispano-Suiza engines or converted with licenced built Bristol Jupiter radial engine. Also known as Type 13th Year Converted Aeroplane.[2]
[edit] Operators
[edit] Specifications (2MT2)
Data from The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft [1]
General characteristics
- Crew: Two
- Length: 9.77 m (32 ft 0¾ in)
- Wingspan: 14.77 m (48 ft 5½ in)
- Height: 3.50 m (11 ft 5¾ in)
- Wing area: 59.0 m² (645 ft²)
- Empty weight: 1,442 kg (3,179 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,697 kg (5,946 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Napier Lion 12 cylinder broad arrow engine, 373 kW (500 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 210 km/h (113 knots, 130 mph)
- Range: km (nm, mi)
- Service ceiling 4,500 m (14,765 ft)
- Wing loading: 45.7 kg/m² (9.22 lb/ft²)
- Power/mass: 0.14 kW/kg (0.084 hp/lb)
- Endurance: 2.6 hours [2]
Armament
- Two fixed forward firing 7.7 mm machine guns and two pivoted 7.7 mm machine guns in rear cockpit
- One 18 inch torpedo or two 240 kg (529 lb) bombs
[edit] See also
Related development
- Mitsubishi 2MB
Comparable aircraft
Related lists
[edit] References
- ^ a b c d Donald, David (Editor) (1997). The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1-85605-375-X.
- ^ a b c Mikesh, Robert C; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. ISBN 0 85177 840 2.
[edit] External links
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