Mitsubishi Ki-21 (Sally) Type 97
Technical Information

Background
Contemporary of G3M Nell, the Army Ki-21 was the main long range bomber in service at the beginning of the war. It is probably the most famous and well known Army bomber of the war.

Although outdated after the start of the war, and was replaced by the Ki-49 Helen, which was only a marginally superior bomber. The Sally remained in service and was well liked by its crew because of its easy maintenance and handling.

Armed with 7.7mm Type TE-4 machine guns, and a singe fixed remotely fired tail 'stinger'.

Ki-21-IIB
Eventually the Type 97 heavy bombers model 2b was produced with a 12.7mm machine gun in a dorsal turret, armor up to 16mm thick, and other improvements.

MC-21Transport Version
Transport version of the bomber, with four crew members, that could carry a maximum of nine additional passengers or cargo.

Production
A total of 2,064 built by Mitsubishi at Nagoya and Nakajima at Ota

Technical Details (Ki-21-II)
Crew  Five (pilot, co-pilot, navigator/bombardier, radio, gunner) or nine passengers or cargo
Engine  Two 14 cylinder radial with three bladed propeller
Span  22.5m
Length  16m
Height  4.85m
Maximum Speed  302 mph at 15,485'
Range  (normal) 1,500 miles (maximum) 1,680 miles
Armament  (nose, ventral, dorsal, rear) 7.7mm machine guns
Bombload  (bomb bay) 1,653 lbs (maximum) 2,205 lbs

Last Updated
September 30, 2009