Mitsubishi Ki-51 Sonia

First flying in mid-1939, the Mitsubishi Ki-51 was a light bomber/dive bomber used by the Imperial Japanese Army. Initially deployed in China, it proved effective because of the limited aerial opposition. When faced with more advanced fighters later in the war, it proved more vulnerable.

A total of 2,372 (1,459 by Mitsubishi and 913 by the Tachikawa Dai-Ichi Rikugen Kokusho) production aircraft were built, along with 12 prototypes.

A ‘Sonia’ of the Japanese 73rd Independent Air Squadron was captured by members of No. 4 Squadron, RAAF at Keningau and flown to Labuan Island. Photos of the RAAF Ki-51 can be found here.

Post-war, abandoned aircraft in Indonesia were pressed into service by the Indonesian Independence Movement and used against the Dutch. Photos of the Indonesian Ki-43 can be found here.