The
Kawasaki KDA-5 was a
Japanese single-seat
biplane fighter designed by the German Dr.
Richard Vogt for the
Imperial Japanese Army.
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 and first flown in 1930. Following testing, the aircraft was ordered into production in 1932 as the
Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter.
[1] 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.
[1]
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.
[1] 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
Specifications (92-I)
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
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