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The Navy Yokosho I-go Ko-gata Seaplane Trainer was produced to replace a pusher Farman type trainer, and was used alongside the Avro 504 by the Japanese Navy in the early 1920s.
The aircraft's designation came from the system in use in the Japanese Navy between 1918 and January 1922. In this system I-go indicated that the aircraft was a trainer, while Ko-gata was the equivalent of Model A, the first Yokosho trainer to be accepted by the Navy.
The I-go Ko-gata was designed by Lieut Kishichi Umakoshi during 1920. He used some elements from earlier designs, including the staggered wings of the Avro 504K. The aircraft had short twin-floats with an auxiliary float carried just below the tail, as used on the earlier Yokosho Ro-go Ko-gata reconnaissance aircraft. After a series of engines were tested, a 110hp Gasuden Benz six-cylinder water-cooled inline engine was chosen for most aircraft
Seventy aircraft were built - 24 in 1920, 42 in 1921 and 4 in 1922. Of these aircraft ten were powered by a 70hp Renault engine, two by a 100hp Renault, six with a 200hp Hispano-Suiza engine, two with a 100hp Benz engine, thirty-six with a 110hp Benz engine and fourteen with a 130hp Benz engine.
The I-go Ko-gata was the first purpose-built seaplane trainer to enter Japanese Naval service. Most were withdrawn from military service in 1924, and went into civil use, leaving the Navy to use the Avro 504 Seaplane trainer until the arrival of the Yokosho K2Y Navy Type 3 Land-based Primary Trainer.
In civil service the I-go Ko-gata was known as the Chidori-go (Plover). Some were used as small cargo and mail transports.
Engine: Gasuden Benz six-cylinder water-cooled inline engine
Power: 100-130hp
Crew: 2
Span: 45ft 2.75in
Length: 32ft
Height: 10ft 8in
Empty weight: 1,924lb
Loaded weight: 2,478lb
Max speed: 77mph at sea level
Climb Rate: 5min to 3,280ft
Endurance: 3 hours