| Ki-49 Donryu | |
|---|---|
 | |
| General information | |
| Type | Medium bomber |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Nakajima Aircraft Company |
| Designer | Yasushi Koyama |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Army Air Force |
| Number built | 819 |
| History | |
| Manufactured | 1941–1944 |
| Introduction date | 1941 |
| First flight | August 1939 |
| Retired | 1945 |
The Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (呑龍, "Storm Dragon")[1] was a twin-engine Japanese World War II heavy bomber. It was designed to carry out daylight bombing missions, without the protection of escort fighters. Consequently, while its official designation, Army Type 100 Heavy Bomber, was accurate in regard to its formidable defensive armament and armor, these features restricted the Ki-49 to payloads comparable to those of lighter medium bombers – the initial production variant could carry only 1,000 kg (2,200 lb) of bombs.
A mid-wing, cantilever monoplane of all-metal construction, the Ki-49 was one of the first Japanese aircraft fitted with a retractable tailwheel. During World War II, it was known to the Allies by the reporting name "Helen".
- ^ Francillon, 1970, p.223