Kawasaki Army Type 92 Fighter

The Kawasaki KDA-5 was a Japanese single-seat biplane fighter designed by the German Dr. Richard Vogt for the Imperial Japanese Army.

KDA-5 (Type 92)
Role	Single-seat biplane fighter
Manufacturer	Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K.
Designer	Richard Vogt of Dornier
First flight	1930
Introduction	1932
Primary user	Imperial Japanese Army Air Force
Number built	385

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.^[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 fared headrest, 180 built.

Type 92 Model 2 Fighter

Improved version with structural strengthening 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,^[2] The Complete Book of Fighters^[3]

General characteristics

• Crew: 1
• Length: 7.05 m (23 ft 1.5 in)
• Wingspan: 9.55 m (31 ft 4 in)
• Height: 3.10 m (10 ft 2 in)
• Wing area: 24.0 m² (258 sq ft)
• 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, 173 kn)
• Range: 850 km (528 mi, 459 nmi)

Armament

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