Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" - video

A video clip today featuring the production line of Mitsubishi F1M "Pete" seaplanes. The clip is split in two because of limitation by blogger.

The narrator explains:

"One of the systems to mass produce aircraft is the "takt system". It's a way to divide the production into several steps and move them forward all at once for a limited time, as is done in the Navy's aviation yard. This system assures that every day a certain production quantity will be achieved with increased efficiency. At 10:40, it is time to move forward all at once. The "takt system" comes to a halt if even one person shows slacking in their work. Therefore, each and every one of us must be aware of ourselves as a nation and work our machines with respect for our responsibilities. This is the Japanese "takt system"."

The narrator continues:

"However, it is not enough to produce aircraft in quantity. In terms of quality, it is necessary to surpass American aircraft. The Japanese "takt system" can destroy the enemy, the United States and Britain, both in quantity and quality. From parts to finish, the simultaneous progress is bound to show great results.

Far offshore, the day of distinguished military service is near and the observation aircraft are lined up."

The clips are a smorgasmatron of aircraft details following the various stages of production. I will stop only on the application of fuselage hinomaru.

Regarding the "takt system", I found that it reffers to "takt time", a manufacturing term that "was borrowed from the German word Taktzeit, meaning 'cycle time'. The word was likely introduced to Japan by German engineers in the 1930s." Check the wiki link for more details.

Also: "Takt time first was used as a production management tool in the German aircraft industry in the 1930s. It was the interval at which aircraft were moved ahead to the next production station. The concept was widely utilized within Toyota in the 1950s and was in widespread use throughout the Toyota supply base by the late 1960s."

Check also this link and you will understand the usage of the bugle.