The Tachikawa Ki-70 "Clara" was a high speed photo reconnaissance aircraft that was tested for the Japanese Air Force in prototype form but never entered production. The Ki-70 was the intended successor to the Mitsubishi Ki-46 but was difficult to handle and was slower than the Mitsubishi Ki-46. The Ki-70 was first flown in 1943 but was found unsatisfactory and the program was terminated. Three aircraft were built.
Ki-70 | |
---|---|
Role | Reconnaissance |
National origin | Japan |
Manufacturer | Tachikawa Aircraft Company |
First flight | 1943 |
Status | Prototype |
Number built | 3 |
In later years the Ki-70 was used to disprove supposed photographic evidence concerning Amelia Earhart's supposed capture by the Japanese before World War II.[citation needed]
Using the familiar layout of aircraft such as the Mitsubishi G3M bomber and its planned predecessor the Mitsubishi Ki-46, the Ki-70 had a twin tail and narrow fuselage, an extensively glazed nose and second cockpit facing aft for the gunner.
(Performance estimated)
Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War [1]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era