Mitsubishi F1M

[Sreiko]

Here you are

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Bonjour Sreiko!

A lovely depiction of the Mistubishi F1M2!

I hesitate to criticize, being an admirer of such skill, but it would be wise to cast an eye to the lines of the cowling around the Mitsubishi Zuisei 13 and the detail ahead of the rear canopy which would seem to be an attachment point for lifting and lowering.

Those details noted, you certainly have captured the tenacious beauty of the aircraft!

Salut!
Kirk

[Sreiko]

Never hesitate to criticize my work, it is important for me! I am afraid that I can not give to you any precise answer as well I have no enough of good images of the plane to give any specific answer.

[Tim West]

Lol, I forget this section is down here...

Anyhow, well done Sreiko! Looks really good

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Bonjour Sreiko

Here are some images, from the Bunrin-Do publication Japanese Military Aircraft Illustrated Vol.3, of the Mitsubishi F1M2 Type Zero observation aircraft which will be of interest to you.


A Type Zero observation aircraft of the Sasebo Kokutai.


A Type Zero Observation aircraft of the Kashima Kokutai.


Detail of a view of a Type Zero Observation aircraft about to be lifted aboard the Sanyo-maru.

I hope that these images are of some use.

Salut!
Kirk

[Sreiko]

Thank you Tim and Kirk Tim- you know that I am more presented here then on the regular section of forum. Not much of us here are dedicated to non WW1 aviation but comunity is nice and small from my point of view

Kirk- images are very fine and I need some from the starboard side as well I will make few from that side. Strange to say but tis plane is build of some more then thousand samples but just few images are available. I will see all posible details from this images and include them in artwork.

Lifting point on the top wing can not be seen in side view due to the dihedral of wing. Also to note that what we seen on image is open cover to acess to the lifting point and in flight this one is closed.

Cheers

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Sreiko, here is an interesting detail enlargement of a photograph, taken from above, of the rear canopy. I was mistaken, the structure on the front is not an attachment point, but, a "handle ... for the pilot to grip". The entire image and the information is to be found in the remarkable book Japanese Aircraft Interiors 1940-1945 by Robert C. Mikesh.



Salut!
Kirk

[Wilks]

Interesting plane, I thought I knew of all WW2 planes but obviously not. I assume it was a recon/light bomber?

[Kirk R. Lowry]

Bonjour Wilks

The Mitsubishi F1M was built to meet requirements established by the Japanese navy for an observation seaplane and was the only such type to be adopted by the Imperial force. The original design, the F1M1 flew in 1936 and though a promising suffered from stability problems both on water and in the air. Modifications to the wing and tail surfaces as well as the installation of the 875 hp Mitusubishi Zuisei 13 engine resulted in a superior design which was given the designation F1M2.

The aircraft entered production and was given the naval designation Type 0 Observation Seaplane Model 11. Operating from ship and shore the aircraft was employed as an observation aircraft, but, also as a fighter and as a dive bomber as well as in the roles of convoy escort and costal patrol. The aircraft was armed with two 7.7 mm machine guns firing forward as well as one 7.7 mm machine gun firing to the rear on a flexible mount and two 60 kg bombs could be carried as well.

Quite maneuverable and able to fly at 200 kt, the aircraft was very capable in a combat situation. Many aircraft were claimed downed by airman flying the Mitsubishi F1M2. Legendary ace Joe Foss was one victim who was lucky to survive: in combat with one the type on November 7, 1942 Foss was able to destroy the Mitsubishi F1M2, which was from the Kamikawa Maru, but due to excessive damage to the Grumman Wildcat flown, had to make a forced landing in the waters near Malaita and almost drowned.

Quite an aircraft was the Mitsubishi F1M2.

Salut!
Kirk

[Sreiko]

Here you are corected shape:



Thank you for help