Allied Aircraft Operated/Tested by Japan

[Dan Jones]

I've seen pictures of B-17's, P-40's, a Buffalo, and a PT-17 Stearman captured and tested by the Japanese, but they did they ever get their hands on any of the Navy fighters, or British airplanes? I've heard rumors of a Corsair...

Dan

[Dan K]

Earlier discussion on F6F:

http://www.warbirdinformationexchange.o ... 94d0640e2d

[JohnB]

I've seen a DC-5 in Japanese markings. The Dutch PK-ADA was captured at Batavia in Feb, 1942, tested at Tachikawa and later used as a navigation trainer.

The Stearmans would have been among the 12 PT-13 variants made for the Philippines in 1940-41.

It makes sense that most allied aircraft they woud have would have been captured in the initial advances in 1941-42, I'm not aware that they took any land/islands from the allies after that (but I certainly could be wrong).

Obviously, in the Pacific, most downed aircraft would end up in the water, unlike Europe where Germany got its hands on various later-war types.

Recall, they built DC-2 & 3s, Lockheed 14s, Beech 17s and NA 16s under license.

Last edited by JohnB on Sun Sep 30, 2012 6:44 pm, edited 3 times in total.

[Steve Nelson]

I seem to remember reading something about the Japanese getting ahold of a Helldiver, but I don't recall specifics. Seems to me it was a wreck though, and was analyzed but not restored to flight.

SN

[Dan Jones]

There was a variety of USAAF PT-13's, probably some -17's, and for certain some Filipino Model 76's captured when the Philippines fell. Probably some P-26's and P-35's as well.

[Jarink1]

Some Dutch DB-7s were captured and flown by the Japanese.

[Dan K]

Don't forget P-51...

http://www.arcair.com/Rev2/1101-1200/Re ... ky/00.shtm

[Chris Brame]

The Japanese also captured several wrecked Wildcats at Wake Island; don't know what they did with them.

[Hemiman]

Some Dutch DB-7s were captured and flown by the Japanese.

[mike furline]

http://www.google.com/search?q=american ... 80&bih=895