Mitsubishi Ki-90

History of the Mitsubishi Ki-90

Before World War II, the German Luftwaffe wanted a long-range heavy bomber aircraft, but their "Ural Bomber" program was unsuccessful, and Lieutenant Walter Weaver, its main supporter, died in June 1936.

As part of this initiative, the Junkers Ju 89 was developed, but only two were built. The first prototype flew in April 1937, and the Ju 89 program was completely canceled in April 1937. The third prototype was converted into the "Ju 90," a long-distance commercial transport aircraft. The Ju 90 was used as a heavy transport aircraft by the Luftwaffe during the Norwegian campaign until 1940.

The Ju 90 series eventually led to the development of the Ju 290, which included 65 aircraft for transport and maritime patrol missions starting in August 1942. In 1938, the Japanese became interested in the Ju 90 design because they also lacked long-range strategic heavy bombers. Junkers negotiated with Mitsubishi to develop a local version called the "Ki-90."

Germany and Japan were close allies, and they had a technical exchange where Japan could access German aircraft designs that were rejected by the Luftwaffe. This exchange benefited Japan's aviation industry, which was behind its rivals. The existing designs helped Japan compete against the United States and the British Empire.

However, the Ju 90 bomber concept failed due to Germany's involvement in the wars in Europe and Africa, which diverted all their resources to the war effort. Japan then approached Focke-Wulf, a German company, to convert their Fw 200 Condor into a strategic bombing platform. But this effort also failed because the Imperial Japanese Army didn't believe the Fw 200 was suitable for the role.

The Imperial Japanese Navy, on the other hand, showed interest in the Fw 200 bomber, but the outbreak of the war severely limited German exports, and the initiative ultimately ended.

Specification

BASIC

Year of Service: 1940

Origins: Empire of Japan

Status: Development ended.

Crew: 8

Production: 0

Manufacturer: Mitsubishi - Imperial Japan / Junkers - Nazi Germany

Carrier: Imperial Japan (Cancelled)

Roles

Ground attack (bombing, strafing)

The ability to conduct air strikes against ground targets using (but not limited to) artillery, bombs, rockets, rockets, etc.

Transportation

General transport function for moving supplies/cargo or people (including casualties and VIPs) out of range.

VIP service

Used in the VIP (Very Important Person) passenger role, usually with above-average amenities and luxury as standard.

X-Plane (development, prototype, tech demo)

Aircraft designed for prototyping, technology demonstration, or research/data collection.

Dimensions and Weight

Length: 86.9 feet (26.50m)

Width/span: 114. 8 feet (35.00m)

Height: 24.6 feet (7.50m)

Cured weight: 42,384 lbs (19,225 kg)

MTOW: 74,296 lbs (33,700 kg)

Wgt Difference: +14,475 kg

Performance

Estimate: 4 x Mitsubishi Ha-2-II 800-820 hp radial piston air-cooled engines driving a three-bladed propeller unit.

Max Speed: 217 mph (350 kph | 189 kts)

Ceiling: 18,865 ft (5,750 m | 4 mi)

Range: 777 mi (1,250 km | 2,315 nm)

ARMAMENT

ASSUMED (Based on the Junkers Ju 90 V8 arrangement):

1 x 20mm automatic cannon in nose.

1 x 20mm automatic cannon in dorsal turret emplacement.

1 x 13mm machine gun in left waist (beam) position.

1 x 13mm machine gun in right waist (beam) position.

1 x 13mm Machine gun in tail station.

OPTIONAL:

Conventional drop bomb load held internally.