The first
Mitsubishi company was a shipping firm launched in 1871 although it
didn't take the name Mitsubishi Shokai until 1874.
Among the first Mitsubishi aircraft was the
1MF. Designed by Herbert Smith of the Sopwith company, the
aircraft was produced by the Mitsubishi Internal Combustion
Engine Co. The 1MF entered production in 1921.
Mitsubishi was the first producer of aircraft
engines in Japan.
Mitsubishi produced both aircraft and engines for the Imperial
Japanese Army and Navy through World War II. During World War
II it ranked first in production with 38% of the national output of
engines.
The allied
occupation after the war split the Mitsubishi companies into smaller
enterprises. Mitsubishi Heavy Industries continues to
produce civil and military aircraft and engines.
