Itoh Tsurubane No.1
| Company type | Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aviation |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Founder | Itoh |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Single-seat biplane |
The Itoh Tsurubane No.1 was a single-seat biplane developed for demonstration and training purposes, making its maiden flight in Japan during 1918.
Design and development
The inception of the Tsurubane stemmed from the recovery of a Gnome rotary engine salvaged from the wreckage of the Tamai No.3. This engine was supplied to Itoh by Toyotaro Yamagata, who was related to Itoh's assistant. While Yamagata produced the initial design sketches, the comprehensive design process was overseen by Itoh himself.
Constructed with a wooden frame and fabric-covered wings, the aircraft featured two-bay rectangular wings with the upper wing extending beyond the lower one. The upper wing’s overhanging section was supported by wire bracing and mounted above the fuselage on a cabane formed by parallel struts. Ailerons were fitted exclusively on the upper wings, increasing in chord towards the tips.
The rotary engine was housed within a cowling that left the bottom open to control oil dispersion. The fuselage narrowed into a slim, flat-sided form, with an open cockpit positioned near the trailing edge of the wings. The tail assembly bore similarities to the Itoh Emi 2, including a high-set horizontal stabilizer and elevators designed with a notch to accommodate the rudder; both fin and rudder had upright edges with a gently sloping upper contour.
Its landing gear was of conventional single-axle type but distinguished by its strength, featuring larger wheels and taller legs compared to prior models. The structure was reinforced with doubly cross-braced legs and rearward drag struts for added durability.
Completion of the Tsurubane occurred on 8 May 1918, followed closely by its initial flight.
Operational history
Initially, like many early Japanese civil aircraft, the Tsurubane No.1 generated income through demonstration flights. Yamagata commenced flying around Hiroshima, securing backing from the Asahi Shimbun newspaper, which facilitated a subsequent tour in Korea during November 1918. In the spring that followed, numerous exhibition flights took place in Osaka. These early demonstrations often involved daring maneuvers to captivate audiences; notably, on one occasion, a passenger rode astride the fuselage during flight.
Following its career in demonstrations, the Tsurubane transitioned into use as a trainer at Itoh’s aviation school. Although its full service duration remains uncertain, it was eventually acquired privately and donated to the Aki-Itsukushima Shrine near Hiroshima.