Itoh Emi 2
| Company type | Civilian aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1917 |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Itoh Emi 2 represented an enhanced iteration of the earlier Itoh Emi 1 model.
Design and development
The Itoh Emi 1, recognized as the second successful civilian aircraft developed in Japan, had its maiden flight in November 1915. By the beginning of 1917, Itoh initiated the design of the Emi 2, which preserved numerous characteristics of its forerunner. Both aircraft were constructed with wooden frames and covered in fabric, featuring a biplane configuration with rectangular-shaped wings. Compared to the Emi 1, the Emi 2 exhibited a reduced wingspan by , alongside a wing design optimized for lower aerodynamic drag. It was configured as a two bay biplane, having one fewer bay on each side, and incorporated parallel interplane struts. The upper wing extended slightly further than the lower wing, which was distinguished by rounded wingtip shapes. Four parallel cabane struts supported the upper wing above the fuselage. Consistent with the Emi 1, only the upper wings were equipped with ailerons featuring chords that increased outwardly.
Equipped with the identical Grégoire Gyp powerplant as its predecessor, the Emi 2’s fuselage had flat sides and included an open cockpit. To enhance pilot sightlines, a semi-circular cutout was integrated into the trailing edge of the upper wing. The horizontal stabilizer was broad and approximately rectangular in shape, mounted atop the fuselage, while the vertical stabilizer was parallel-sided with a gently sloped top edge.
The landing gear featured a wide stance with two wheels—down from four on the Emi 1—each attached to landing legs fitted with bungee cord shock absorption systems.
The inaugural flight of the Emi 2 occurred in April 1917.
Operational history
Starting in May 1917, Itoh showcased demonstration flights operating from his eastern Inage Beach location, culminating in a visit to Osaka in September. His schedule proved advantageous when a typhoon-induced tidal wave destroyed the Inage Beach hangar at month’s end during his absence. Demonstrations recommenced until the Emi 2 was reassigned as a training aircraft at Itoh’s newly established Tsudanuma Beach facility.
Subsequently acquired by new owners near Hammamatsu, the Emi 2 continued to perform demonstration flights around Osaka under pilot Asao Fikunaga beginning in August 1919. Following an incident where it overturned upon landing in Toyonaka, rapid repairs were completed; however, its operational life concluded in May 1920 after colliding with a house roof shortly after departing Osaka.