Kawasaki Army Type 88 Reconnaissance Aircraft
| Industry | Aircraft manufacturing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1927 |
| Founder | Richard Vogt |
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Type 88 Reconnaissance Aircraft, Type 88 Light Bomber, KDC-2 Transport Aircraft |
The Kawasaki Army Type 88 Reconnaissance Aircraft was a Japanese single-engine biplane developed by Richard Vogt for Kawasaki. Originally known as the KDA-2, it was adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army under the designation Type 88 Reconnaissance Aircraft—the "Type 88" indicating the year 2588 in the Japanese imperial calendar (equivalent to 1928 in the Gregorian calendar). This model later evolved into the Type 88 Light Bomber, which saw extensive use during the Second Sino-Japanese War. More than 1,100 units were manufactured, with operational service continuing until 1940.
Design and development
The Army Type 88-1 Reconnaissance Biplane was developed as a successor to the Salmson 2, originating from Kawasaki's KDA-2 design, with three prototypes completed in 1927. This all-metal aircraft featured a stressed skin on the forward fuselage, wings of unequal span, a narrow angular fuselage profile, and cross-axle main landing gear. It was powered by a BMW VI engine and proceeded to production following successful trials. The Type 88-II variant incorporated enhancements such as a refined engine cowling and a redesigned tail section. By 1931, production totals reached 710 units combined from Kawasaki and Tachikawa.
Between 1929 and 1932, Kawasaki manufactured 407 Type 88 Light Bombers, which included strengthened lower wings and additional center-section struts. These bombers were outfitted with racks beneath both the fuselage and lower wings for ordnance carriage. A transport version designated the KDC-2 featured an enclosed cabin accommodating one pilot and four passengers; only two examples were constructed, one of which underwent floatplane testing.
Operational history
Both reconnaissance and bomber variants were deployed by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force during the Second Sino-Japanese War in Manchuria. The Type 88 remained active during the 1937 Battle of Shanghai, but suffered significant losses by early 1938, including during the Battle of Taierzhuang. These setbacks prompted its gradual withdrawal from frontline duties.
Variants
- KDA-2
- Three prototype aircraft produced in 1927.
- Type 88-I Reconnaissance Biplane
- Initial production reconnaissance version.
- Type 88-II Reconnaissance Biplane
- Enhanced model of the Type 88-I, with a combined total production of 707 units.
- Type 88 Light Bomber
- Light bomber variant capable of carrying bombs, with a production run of 407 aircraft.
- KDC-2
- Transport configuration; only two units constructed.
Operators
References
- The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft (Part Work 1982–1985), Orbis Publishing, pp. 2237–8
- Mikesh, Robert C.; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft 1910–1941. Putnam, London. ISBN 0-85177-840-2
- War Department TM-E-30-480 Handbook on Japanese Military Forces