Mitsubishi Ki-73

Overview

The Mitsubishi Ki-73, Allied reporting name "Steve", was a single-engine super high-speed long-range escort fighter designed by Mitsubishi Aircraft Company for use by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service in World War II. The plane only reached the partially prototype development before being abandoned and cancelled. The design and the developed prototype was built as a response to a specification for a single-engined long range escort fighter in May 1943. The Ki-73 was designed by Tomio Kubo, who was also responsible for the Mitsubishi Ki-46 and the Mitsubishi Ki-83 twin engine fighters. The need for the Ki-73 came from heavy losses to Japanese bombers in the Pacific War from Allied fighter planes. The war ended on 2 September 1945, before any further development was completed on the Ki-73.