|
|
The Kawasaki Type 92 Fighter was a German-designed biplane that saw some service during the fighting in Manchuria in 1933.
The aircraft was first developed as the Kawasaki KDA-5, one of a number of aircraft designed for Kawasaki by Dr Richard Vogt, a German engineer who had previously worked for Fokker, and who went on to be the main designer for Blohm und Voss. The KDA-5 was an equal span biplane, with a metal framework and fabric covering. The BMW VI inline 'V' engine gave the aircraft its characteristic 'forehead', with the two rows of cylinders reflected in the engine cowling. The undercarriage was fixed, with no cowling.
Five prototype KDA-5s were built, with the first making its maiden flight in 1930. They were followed by 180 Kawasaki Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighters, which had a modified fin and rudder. The Army Type 92 Model 2 with a stronger structure followed, with 200 being built, for a total of 385 aircraft. The Type 92 entered service just too late to take part in the 'Shanghai Incident' of 1932, but saw some action during the fighting in Manchuria in 1933.
Engine: BMW VI inline 'V'
Power: 75-hp
Crew: 1
Wing span: 32ft 4in
Maximum Take-off Weight: 3,968lb
Max Speed: 199mph
Climb rate: 4 minutes to 9,845ft
Armament: Two fixed forward firing 7.7mm machine guns