Sunday, March 13, 2011

Kawasaki Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter

KDA-5 (Type 92)
Role Single-seat biplane fighter
Manufacturer Kawasaki
Designed by Richard Vogt of Dornier
First flight 1930
Introduced 1932
Primary user Imperial Japanese Army Air Force
Number built 385
The Kawasaki KDA-5 was a Japanese single-seat biplane fighter designed by the German Dr. Richard Vogt for the Imperial Japanese Army.

Development

The KDA-5 was designed by Richard Vogt to meet a Japanese Army requirement for a fighter biplane. Five prototypes were built by Kawasaki and first flown in 1930. Following testing, the aircraft was ordered into production in 1932 as the Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter.[1] The aircraft had unequal-span sesquiplane wings and fixed tailwheel landing gear and was powered by a 470 kW (630 hp) BMW VI engine. After 180 aircraft were built, production continued with a structurally strengthened and more powerful Type 92 Model 2. A further 200 Model 2s were built.[1]

Operational history

Both versions saw action with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in Manchukuo (Manchuria), although it proved unpopular owing to its unstable take-off and landing behaviour and being difficult to maintain, particularly in cold weather.[1] A few were still in service in 1941 as trainers.

Variants

KDA-5
Five prototypes.
Type 92 Model 1 Fighter
Initial production variant with changed fin and rudder and faired headrest, 180 built.
Type 92 Model 2 Fighter
Improved version with structural strengthing and more powerful ( kW/750 hp) BMW VII engine, 200 built.

Operators

 Japan

Specifications (92-I)

Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft[2], The Complete Book of Fighters[3]
General characteristics
  • Crew: 1
  • Length: 7.05 m (23 ft 1½ in)
  • Wingspan: 9.55 m (31 ft 4 in)
  • Height: 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 24.0 m² (258 ft²)
  • Empty weight: 1,280 kg (2,822 lb)
  • Gross weight: 1,700 kg (3,747 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × BMW VI, 470 kW (630 hp)
Performance
  • Maximum speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)
  • Range: 850 km (528 miles)
Armament

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