Kawasaki KAL-2
| Company type | Aircraft |
|---|---|
| Industry | Aerospace |
| Founded | mid-1950s |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Kawasaki KAL-2 is a Japanese aircraft from the mid-1950s, designed to accommodate four to five passengers with a single engine, targeting both military and civilian sectors. Production was limited to just two units.
Design and development
Following the KAL-1, Kawasaki's initial design after World War II, the KAL-2 was developed. It shared many design elements and parts with the contemporary KAT-1 primary trainer, but its main distinction lay in its cabin configuration. Unlike the KAT-1’s tandem seating for two, the KAL-2 featured a broader cabin with side-by-side seats accommodating up to five individuals.
This aircraft is a cantilever low-wing monoplane characterized by a blunt-tipped wing with an approximately trapezoidal shape and increased sweep on the leading edges of the center section. The wing’s construction consists of two metal spars covered by stressed aluminum skin. Inside, fabric-covered, mass-balanced ailerons are positioned outboard of hydraulically actuated split flaps. Its tail assembly includes horizontal surfaces with straight tapering and blunt tips, complemented by a fin and rudder that are more rounded and equipped with a dorsal fillet. The rear control surfaces have alloy frames covered in fabric; both rudder and elevator incorporate static and aerodynamic balancing along with trim tabs.
The fuselage is built as a semi-monocoque structure housing a 240 hp (179 kW) Lycoming GO-435 flat-six engine that powers a two-blade variable-pitch propeller. The military prototypes used the -435-C2 version, whereas civil variants were intended to employ the -435-C2B model. The wider fuselage layout provides side-by-side seating with dual controls in the front and a rear bench capable of seating two or three passengers. For emergency egress, the front seats have an explosively released door on the starboard side, while rear occupants exit through canopy panels. The interior is equipped with sound insulation and air-conditioning systems. The aircraft features a retractable tricycle landing gear fitted with oleo-pneumatic shock absorbers and hydraulic braking.
Operational history
Two prototype aircraft were flown, one operated by the Japan Air Self-Defense Force and the other by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.
Aircraft on display
- Tokorozawa Aviation Museum: KAL-2 serial number 20001.
