| F1M | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Mitsubishi F1M2 on patrol, c. 1943 | |
| Type | Reconnaissance float plane |
| Manufacturer | Mitsubishi |
| Maiden flight | June 1936 |
| Introduced | 1941 |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Navy |
| Number built | 1,118 |
The Mitsubishi F1M (Allied reporting name "Pete") was a Japanese reconnaissance floatplane of World War II. Between 1936 and 1944, 1,118 were built. The Navy designation was "Type Zero Observation Seaplane" (零式水上観測機).
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Design and development
The F1M1 was powered by the Nakajima Hikari MK1 radial engine, delivering 611 kW (820 hp), a maximum speed of 368 km/h (230 mph) and operating range of up to 1,072 km (670 miles) (when overloaded). It provided the Imperial Japanese Navy with a very versatile operations platform. Optionally armed with a maximum of 3 x 7.7 mm machine guns (2 fixed forward-firing and one flexible rear-firing) and 2 x 60 kg (132 pound) bombs
Operational history
The F1M was originally built as a catapult-launched reconnaissance float plane. However the "Pete" took on a number of local roles including area-defense fighter, convoy escort, bomber, anti-submarine, ocean patrol, rescue and transport. The type fought dogfights in the Aleutians, the Solomons and several other theaters. See also PT 34 sunk 9 April 1942 by "Petes".
Variants
- F1M1 : Prototypes. Four built.
- F1M2 : Two-seat reconnaissance floatplane for the Imperial Japanese Navy.
- F1M2-K : Two-seat training version.
Operators
Specifications (F1M1)
General characteristics
- Crew: two, pilot and rear gunner
- Length: 9.5 m (31 ft 2 in)
- Wingspan: 11 m (36 ft 1 in)
- Height: 4 m (13 ft 1.5 in)
- Wing area: 29.5 m² (317.5 ft²)
- Empty weight: 1,928 kg (4,330 lb)
- Loaded weight: 2,550 kg (5,620 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 2,856 kg (6,296 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Nakajima Hikari MK1 , 611 kW (820 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 368 km/h (230 mph)
- Range: 1,070 km (670 miles)
- Service ceiling 9,440 m (30,970 ft)
- Rate of climb: 600 m/min (1,969 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 86.3 kg/m² (17.7 lb/ft²)
- Power/mass: 2.9 kW/kg (6.85 hp/lb)
Armament
- 2 x fixed forward 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns
- 1 x flexible rear 7.7mm Type 89 machine gun
- 2 x 60 kg (132 lb) bombs
Gallery
 Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" biplane/floatplane |
 Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" biplane/floatplane |
 Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" biplane/floatplane, rear view |
Related content
Comparable aircraft
Designation sequence
F1M
Related lists
List of military aircraft of Japan
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