Kawasaki Army Type 92 Fighter
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Aircraft (including Kawasaki KDA-5) |
The Kawasaki KDA-5 was a Japanese single-seat biplane fighter developed by German aircraft designer Dr. Richard Vogt for use by the Imperial Japanese Army.
Development
Created by Vogt to meet the Japanese Army's demand for a fighter biplane, five prototype units were constructed by Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K. and made their maiden flights in 1930. Following evaluation, production commenced in 1932 under the designation Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter. This model incorporated unequal-span sesquiplane wings, fixed tailwheel landing gear, and was powered by a 470 kW (630 hp) BMW VI engine. After manufacturing 180 Model 1 aircraft, production transitioned to the more robust and higher-powered Type 92 Model 2, with a total of 200 units produced.
Operational history
Both variants operated within the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force stationed in Manchukuo (Manchuria). The aircraft was generally disliked due to its unstable behavior during takeoff and landing phases, as well as difficulties in maintenance, particularly under cold weather conditions. A small number continued to serve as training aircraft until their retirement in 1941.
Variants
- KDA-5
- Five prototype aircraft.
- Type 92 Model 1 Fighter
- Initial production version featuring revised fin and rudder designs along with a faired headrest; 180 units completed.
- Type 92 Model 2 Fighter
- Upgraded model with reinforced structure and equipped with a more powerful (kW/750 hp) BMW VII engine; 200 units manufactured.
Operators
References
- Notes
- Bibliography