Mockup of Kawasaki Ki-88
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The Kawasaki Ki-88 was a design for a fighter aircraft inspired by the Bell P-39 Airacobra, with the engine mounted behind the cockpit. As on the Airacobra power was transmitted along an extension shaft to the tractor propeller. The Ki-88 would have been armed with one 37mm cannon firing through the propeller shaft and two 20mm cannon in the lower nose.
Work on the Ki-88 began in August 1942, and by 1943 a full-scale mock-up had been completed. Calculations suggested that it would have a top speed of 373mph at 19,685ft, no great improvement on that of the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, and so the project was abandoned during 1943.
Engine: Kawasaki Ha-140 liquid-cooled engine
Power: 1,500hp
Crew: 1
Wing span: 40ft 8in
Length: 33ft 5in
Loaded Weight: 8,598lb
Max Speed: 373mph at 19,685ft (estimated)
Armament: One 37mm cannon and two 20mm cannon