In 1940 a specification was put forth for a heavy strategic bomber that would be used against the Soviet Union in an anticipated war with them.
The Mitsubishi Ki-67 was to be a successor to the Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu as Army specifications were issued in February 1941. Three prototypes were ordered from Mitsubishi. The designers (Chief Engineer Ozawa) also tried to make the plane as easy to maintain and manufacture as possible.
- Altitude: 13,000' - 22,750'; 13,125' - 22,965' / 4,000 m - 7,000 m
- Speed: 340 mph, 342 mph / 550 kph
- Range with 1,102 lb / 500 kg: 435 miles / 700 km
- Bombs: Eight 220 lb / 100 kg, three 551 lb / 250 kg, or one 1,102 lb / 500 kg; 1,764 lb
- Crew: 6 - 8, 6 - 10
- Armament: Three 7.7 mm MGs, and two 12.7 mm MGs; Five MGs
- Engines: Two Mitsubishi Ha-101 (1,450 HP), Nakajima Ha-103 (1,870 HP), Mitsubishi Ha-104 (1,900 HP)
Unusual for a Japanese design the Mitsubishi Ki-67 had armor protection and self sealing fuel tanks.
After the prototype flew the Army made many suggestions for changes that it delayed the project.
The Ki-67 has a metal frame and fabric covering.
Torpedo Bomber Modification
In December 1942 it was suggested that they be modified as a torpedo bomber.
Major Sakamoto test flew the prototypes at Yokosuka Naval Air Station. One hundred Ki-67s were modified with torpedo racks. From the 161st aircraft all Ki-67s had torpedo racks.
Some Ki-67s were transferred to the Imperial Japanese Navy and they were called Yasukuni.