Kawasaki Army Type 92 Fighter

Development

The KDA-5 was designed by Richard Vogt to meet a Japanese Army requirement for a fighter biplane. Five prototypes were built by Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K. and first flown in 1930. Following testing, the aircraft was ordered into production in 1932 as the Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter. The aircraft had unequal-span sesquiplane wings and fixed tailwheel landing gear and was powered by a 470 kW (630 hp) BMW VI engine. After 180 aircraft were built, production continued with a structurally strengthened and more powerful Type 92 Model 2. A further 200 Model 2s were built.

Operational history

Both versions saw action with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in Manchukuo (Manchuria), although it proved unpopular owing to its unstable take-off and landing behaviour and being difficult to maintain, particularly in cold weather. A few were still in service in 1941 as trainers.

Variants

KDA-5

Five prototypes.

Type 92 Model 1 Fighter

Initial production variant with changed fin and rudder and faired headrest, 180 built.

Type 92 Model 2 Fighter

Improved version with structural strengthing and more powerful ( kW/750 hp) BMW VII engine, 200 built.

Operators

 Japan

Imperial Japanese Army Air Force

Specifications (92-I)

Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft, The Complete Book of Fighters

General characteristics

Crew: 1

Length: 7.05 m (23 ft 1½ in)

Wingspan: 9.55 m (31 ft 4 in)

Height: 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)

Wing area: 24.0 m² (258 ft²)

Empty weight: 1,280 kg (2,822 lb)

Gross weight: 1,700 kg (3,747 lb)

Powerplant: 1 × BMW VI, 470 kW (630 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 320 km/h (199 mph)

Range: 850 km (528 miles)

Armament

2 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns (synchronised)