Kawasaki KDA-3
| Industry | Aerospace |
|---|---|
| Headquarters | Japan |
| Products | Aircraft |
The Kawasaki KDA-3 was an experimental, single-seat fighter featuring a parasol wing and powered by a single engine. It was designed by Dr. Richard Vogt, an engineer from Dornier, and constructed by Kawasaki for use by the Japanese Imperial Army. The aircraft's maiden flight occurred in 1928. Although it was intended to succeed the Ko-4, only three prototypes were produced, and the model did not proceed to mass production.
Design and development
In March 1927, the Rikugun Koku Hombu commissioned Kawasaki, Nakajima, and Mitsubishi to develop a new single-seat fighter to replace the Ko-4 (Nieuport-Delage NiD 29). Kawasaki responded with the parasol-wing KDA-3, which competed alongside Mitsubishi’s 1MF2 Hayabusa and the Nakajima NC. Each manufacturer submitted three prototypes for testing at the Tokorozawa Army test center.
After being engaged by Kawasaki, Vogt worked in partnership with engineer Takeo Doi to design the KDA-3, drawing inspiration from the high-wing German Dornier Do H. The aircraft was intended to deliver enhanced performance capabilities. Although the first prototype was scheduled for completion by April 1, 1928, its landing gear failed prior to delivery. Mitsubishi’s Hayabusa achieved speeds of at , but structural failure occurred during a dive exceeding , resulting in the suspension of the evaluation process. Nakajima persisted with development, producing six additional prototypes; their design was ultimately accepted as the Nakajima Type 91 fighter.
During this period, Japan’s military procurement policy shifted toward greater nationalism, reducing dependence on foreign designs and engineers. Kawasaki applied lessons learned from the KDA-3 project to create the Kawasaki KDA-5, a biplane that was adopted as the Kawasaki Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter. One of the KDA-3 prototypes was registered for civilian use under the Japanese civil registration J-BEYF.
Bibliography
- Green, William and Swanborough, Gordon. WW2 Aircraft Fact Files: Japanese Army Fighters, Part 1. London: Macdonald and Jane's, 1976. .
- Mikesh, Robert C. and Shorzoe Abe. Japanese Aircraft 1910–1941. London: Putnam, 1990. .
- Unknown Author(s). Famous Aircraft of the World, no.76: Japanese Army Experimental Fighters (1). Tokyo, Japan: Bunrin-Do Co. Ltd., August 1976.