Hi
Hiro Navy Type 15 Flying-boat (H1H1 - 3)
In 1926, five years after the F.5 flying-boats had entered service, the Navy decided to develop a replacement aircraft to be built at the Hiro Naval Arsenal. Lieut (Ordnance) Yoshio Hashiguchi was assigned as chief designer for the project that was to be based upon experience gained from the F.5 and from new technology acquired from Short Brothers in England.
The hull design of the new type closely resembled the successful F.5 design with its all-wooden structure, but the wings were completely new, giving emphasis on greater speed. Retreating from the monoplane design of the Type-R flying-boats, the new design was a simple single-bay biplane.
The first prototype was completed at the Hiro Arsenal in the autumn of 1927. Although some minor modifications were required, the aircraft proved to have good performance, stability and control. It was officially adopted as the Navy Type 15 Flying-boat and was put into production as soon as F.5 production ended in February 1929. At the same time, it was also put into production at Aichi in 1927 at the end of its F.5 contract.
The Type 15 flying-boat appeared in several versions. The first were the 1927 prototypes each powered by two 400 hp Lorraine 1 engines of which several were built by Hiro.
The Type 15-1 flying-boat, with short designation (H1H1), was accepted by the Navy in February 1929, and was powered by 450 hp Lorraine engines driving two-blade wooden propellers. Early production models were fitted with bench-type aileron balance surfaces, but later horn-balanced ailerons were fitted: additional vertical fins were attached near the tips of the tailplane, and the wingtip floats were then made of metal. These were built by the Hiro Arsenal as well as Aichi.
The Type 15 Kai-1 flying-boat, (H1H2), was an experimental project undertaken by Yokosuka. This had an all-metal hull of the same shape as the H1H1, but with Dornier-type longitudinal external stiffeners added. There were no changes in the engine arrangement from that of the H1H1, but the additional stabilising fins were discontinued because the rudder horn-balance tab was increased in area. This version was not delivered to the Navy until 1930, which was the mid-point of the aircraft's production period.
While in process of experimentation with flying-boats, the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal built another aircraft of this type but with many design changes including the use of two BMW III engines with four-bladed propellers. Although the hull and the wingtip floats were all-metal as on the H1H2, their contours differed substantially. The equal-span wings were of wood with fabric covering. An all-up weight increase of approximately 10 per cent caused termination of further development of this concept.
The Type 15-2 flying-boat (H1H3), was adopted by the Navy at the same time as the H1H1 but its completion was delayed by two years due to late acceptance of new engines. This Type 15-2 version was powered by the Lorraine 3 twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, rated at 450 hp at 1,850 rpm at sea level, driving four-blade wooden propellers. The wings and tail were identical to later production H1H1s. There were two versions, differing mostly by the change from bench-type aileron balances to horn-balanced ailerons. A weight reduction was achieved in this model, and it 600 kg lighter than the H1H1. Aichi was the builder of this last model of the Type 15 Flying-boat.
These flying-boats, successors to the F.5s were the main flying-boats until about 1938, making them the first successful Japanese-designed flying-boats in production in Japan. As a demonstration of their high quality, Lieuts Yoshiaki Itoh and Iwao Minematsu jointly commanded four of them (Yo-56, 57, 58 and 59) on a flight from Yokosuka, to Chichi Jima in the Bonin Islands, to Maug, North Mariana Islands, to Saipan, south-central Marianas, and return, covering 2,544 nm from 20 May to 25 May, 1929.
The photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Hiro Kaigun Kosho (Hiro Naval Arsenal).
Type: Twin-engined Flying-boat.
Crew (6): two pilots, observer/bow gunner, navigator, radio-operator and engineer/rear gunner.
Powerplant: Two 450 hp Lorraine 2 twelve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engines, driving two-blade wooden propellers.
Armament: One flexible bow-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, and one flexible dorsal mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun.
Dimensions: Span (H1H1) 22.973 m (75 ft 4 1/4 in), (H1H2) 22 m (72 ft 2 in); length (H1H1) 15.11 m (49 ft 7 in), (H1H2) 15.912 m (52 ft 2 1/2 in); height (H1H1) 5.192 m (17 ft), (H1H2) 5.468 m (17 ft 11 1/4 in); wing area (H1H1) 125 sq m (1,345 sq ft).
Weights: Empty (H1H1) 4,020 kg (8,862 lb), (H1H2) 4,450 kg (9,810 lb); loaded (H1H1) 6,100 kg (13,448 lb), (H1H2) 6,500 kg (14,330 lb); wing loading (H1H1) 52 kg/sq m (10.6 lb/sq ft); power loading (H1H1) 6.78 kg/hp (14.9 lb/hp), (H1H2) 6.5 kg/hp (14.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed (H1H1) 92 kt (106 mph), (H1H2) 90.5 kt (104 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in (H1H1) 33 min 50 sec, (H1H2) 34 min 15 sec; endurance (H1H1) 14 1/2 hr.
Production: A total of 65 Navy Type 15 flying-boats were built as follows:
Hiro Kaigun Kosho and Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho:
20 - production Navy Type 15 flying boats 1927-1932
Aichi Tokei Denki KK:
45 - production Navy Type 15 Flying-boats 1927-1934.
Regards
Bob
Early JNAF Aircraft
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Robert Hurst
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Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Nakajima-Breguet 19-A2B Reconnaissance Seaplane
In April 1925, Nakajima imported two Breguet 19s from France and assembled them for Japan's first good-will flight to Europe. This flight was sponsored by the Asahi Shimbun. The aircraft were given the names Hatsukaze (First Wind) and Kochi (East Wind), respectively. The Breguet 19 had a reputation for being a sound multi-purpose long-range aircraft, both for military and civil use.
At this time, but not associated with these two imports, Nakajima had acquired the manufacturing rights for the aircraft to be known as the Nakajima-Breguet 19-A2 Reconnaissance Aircraft. because of the soundness of this design and the enthusiastic use of the aircraft in Europe, Nakajima had high hopes of mass-producing the aircraft to meet Japanese military needs. Nakajima built one example and equipped it with a wheel undercarriage as a demonstrator. However, the Army did not see a need for such a high-powered reconnaissance aircraft, and the Navy, having just adopted the Yokosho Type 14 Reconnaissance Seaplane, showerd little interest.
To meet other reconnaissance needs in 1925, the Navy established a requirement for a long-range reconnaissance seaplane, selecting as competitors Mitsubishi, Nakajima and Kawasaki. Mitsubishi submitted the Ohtori Type, a twin-float adaptation of its Type 13 Carrier Attack Aircraft. Nakajima, still hopeful of its Nakajima-Breguet 19 A-2, designed and built all-metal twin-floats and fitted them to this aircraft for the competition. This became the 19-A2B. The Kawasaki entry was the Dornier Do D high-wing monoplane reconnaissance seaplane.
When the three types were evaluated by the Navy at Kasumigaura, none of them was equipped with sufficient fuel capacity to adequately meet the long-range requirement specified by the Navy. As a consequence, the Navy declared all to be unacceptable, although it did purchase the three aircraft to be used for other test purposes. Later, the Nakajima entry was released for civil use and was converted to a wheel-equipped mailplane by Nakajima, receiving the registration J-BBFO.
The French-built Hatsukaze and Kochi were powered by 400 hp Lorraine 1 water-cooled engines, but the Nakajima-built aircraft was powered by the 450 hp Lorraine 2 W-type water-cooled engine. Nakajima intended to licence-manufacture this engine for its planned production of these aircraft.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki KK (Nakajima Aeroplane Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and Observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 450-485 hp Lorraine 2 twelve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, and one or two flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) macine-guns in open dorsal mount.
Dimensions: Span (upper wing) 14.83 m (48 ft 8 in), (lower wing) 11.24 m (36 ft 10 1/2 in); length 11.52 m (37 ft 9 1/2 in); height 4 m (13 ft 1 1/2 in); wing area 50 sq m (538.213 sq ft)
Weights: Empty 1,380 kg (3,042 lb); loaded 3,240 kg (7,143 lb); wing loading 64.8 kg/sq m (13.2 lb/sq ft); power loading 7.2 kg/hp (15.8 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 108 kt (124.28 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 18 min 25 sec; service ceiling 5,000 m (16,404 ft); endurance 10 hr.
Production: One aircraft built by Nakajima Hikoki KK in 1925.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Regards
Bob
Nakajima-Breguet 19-A2B Reconnaissance Seaplane
In April 1925, Nakajima imported two Breguet 19s from France and assembled them for Japan's first good-will flight to Europe. This flight was sponsored by the Asahi Shimbun. The aircraft were given the names Hatsukaze (First Wind) and Kochi (East Wind), respectively. The Breguet 19 had a reputation for being a sound multi-purpose long-range aircraft, both for military and civil use.
At this time, but not associated with these two imports, Nakajima had acquired the manufacturing rights for the aircraft to be known as the Nakajima-Breguet 19-A2 Reconnaissance Aircraft. because of the soundness of this design and the enthusiastic use of the aircraft in Europe, Nakajima had high hopes of mass-producing the aircraft to meet Japanese military needs. Nakajima built one example and equipped it with a wheel undercarriage as a demonstrator. However, the Army did not see a need for such a high-powered reconnaissance aircraft, and the Navy, having just adopted the Yokosho Type 14 Reconnaissance Seaplane, showerd little interest.
To meet other reconnaissance needs in 1925, the Navy established a requirement for a long-range reconnaissance seaplane, selecting as competitors Mitsubishi, Nakajima and Kawasaki. Mitsubishi submitted the Ohtori Type, a twin-float adaptation of its Type 13 Carrier Attack Aircraft. Nakajima, still hopeful of its Nakajima-Breguet 19 A-2, designed and built all-metal twin-floats and fitted them to this aircraft for the competition. This became the 19-A2B. The Kawasaki entry was the Dornier Do D high-wing monoplane reconnaissance seaplane.
When the three types were evaluated by the Navy at Kasumigaura, none of them was equipped with sufficient fuel capacity to adequately meet the long-range requirement specified by the Navy. As a consequence, the Navy declared all to be unacceptable, although it did purchase the three aircraft to be used for other test purposes. Later, the Nakajima entry was released for civil use and was converted to a wheel-equipped mailplane by Nakajima, receiving the registration J-BBFO.
The French-built Hatsukaze and Kochi were powered by 400 hp Lorraine 1 water-cooled engines, but the Nakajima-built aircraft was powered by the 450 hp Lorraine 2 W-type water-cooled engine. Nakajima intended to licence-manufacture this engine for its planned production of these aircraft.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki KK (Nakajima Aeroplane Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and Observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 450-485 hp Lorraine 2 twelve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, and one or two flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) macine-guns in open dorsal mount.
Dimensions: Span (upper wing) 14.83 m (48 ft 8 in), (lower wing) 11.24 m (36 ft 10 1/2 in); length 11.52 m (37 ft 9 1/2 in); height 4 m (13 ft 1 1/2 in); wing area 50 sq m (538.213 sq ft)
Weights: Empty 1,380 kg (3,042 lb); loaded 3,240 kg (7,143 lb); wing loading 64.8 kg/sq m (13.2 lb/sq ft); power loading 7.2 kg/hp (15.8 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 108 kt (124.28 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 18 min 25 sec; service ceiling 5,000 m (16,404 ft); endurance 10 hr.
Production: One aircraft built by Nakajima Hikoki KK in 1925.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
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- The sole Nakajima-Breguet 19-A2B Reconnaissance Seaplane for entry in Navy competition.
- Nakijima-Breguet 19-A2B.jpg (64.04 KiB) Viewed 4318 times
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Robert Hurst
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- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Nakajima Navy Type 15 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N1 and E2N2)
In parallel with the Navy's 1925 requirement for a long-range reconnaissance seaplane for which Nakajima used its Breguet 19-A2B in competition with Mitsubishi and Kawasaki, the Navy had a second seaplane requirement. This was to replace the Type Hansa Reconnaissance Seaplanes and also to be capable of catapult-launching from battleships and cruisers for short-range missions. The companies selected for the competition were Aichi, Nakajima and Yokosho.
Within a year of the competition announcement all three producers submitted their aircraft for evaluation. Aichi and Yokosho used the proven Type Hansa low-wing monoplane design but with modifications that would eliminate known deficiencies. The Aichi entry was the Experimental Type 15-Ko Reconnaissance Seaplane, (Mi-go), and the Yokosho aircraft was the Experimental Tatsu-go Reconnaissance Seaplane. Chief designer for Nakajima, Takao Yoshida, departed from this design and created a sequiplane with better downward view than its two competitors. All three were powered by the 300 hp Mitsubishi Type Hi engine. After flight trials by the Navy's chief test pilot, Lieut-Cdr Hisakichi Akaishi, the Nakajima entry was selected as better than the other two and became Japan's first originally-designed shipboard reconnaissance seaplane.
After the decision was made to accept the Nakajima design, modifications and tests continued. It was not until May 1927 that the Navy officially adopted the aircraft as the Type 15-1 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N1) and Type 15-2 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N2), the latter being an intermediate seaplane trainer with dual controls and provision for a hood for instrument training. They were widely used for training at Kasumigaura until replaced by the Type 93 Intermediate Seaplane Trainer. The reconnaissance model, E2N1, was intended for short-range operational missions from battleships and cruisers, while for more distant missions, the Navy relied upon the Type 14 Reconnaissance Seaplane built by both Yokosho and Nakajima. The E2N1, was a twin-float sesquiplane, of all-wood construction with fabric covering. It had rearward-folding wings for storage. It was armed with one flexible machine-gun in the rear cockpit.
Nakajima produced the E2N1 from 1927 to 1928, and the E2N2 from 1928 to 1929, with later production being transferred to Kawanishi. These aircraft became the Navy's first-line shipboard reconnaissance seaplanes, the first to use the newly developed catapult systems, replacing such aircraft as the Aichi Type 2 that took off under their own power from the top of gun turrets. The E2Ns were the last of the all-wooden Navy aircraft, and were eventually replaced by various models of the Nakajima Type 90.
Several were used by civil operators for air mail services and fish spotting, under the designation Nakajima Fishery Seaplane.
The top photo was taken from The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, by David Donald. The middle and bottom photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki KK (Nakajima Aeroplane Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in two open cockpits.
Powerplant: 300-340 hp Mitsubishi TYpe Hi (Hispano-Suiza) eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal position.
Dimensions: Span 13.52 m (44 ft 4 1/4 in); length 9.565 m (31 ft 4 1/2 in); height 3.688 m (12 ft 1 in); wing area 44 sq m (473.627 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 1,409 kg (3,106 lb); loaded 1,950 kg (4,299 lb); wing loading 44.3 kg/sq m (9 lb/sq ft); power loading 6.5 kg/hp (14.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 93 kt (107 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 31 min 37 sec; endurance 5 hr.
Production: A total of 77 Navy Type 15 seaplanes were built as follows:
Nakajima Hikoki KK:
47 - production aircraft were built between 1927-1929.
2-3 - civil conversions were built in 1930
Kawanishi Kokuki KK:
30 - production aircraft were built between 1929-1930
Regards
Bob
Nakajima Navy Type 15 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N1 and E2N2)
In parallel with the Navy's 1925 requirement for a long-range reconnaissance seaplane for which Nakajima used its Breguet 19-A2B in competition with Mitsubishi and Kawasaki, the Navy had a second seaplane requirement. This was to replace the Type Hansa Reconnaissance Seaplanes and also to be capable of catapult-launching from battleships and cruisers for short-range missions. The companies selected for the competition were Aichi, Nakajima and Yokosho.
Within a year of the competition announcement all three producers submitted their aircraft for evaluation. Aichi and Yokosho used the proven Type Hansa low-wing monoplane design but with modifications that would eliminate known deficiencies. The Aichi entry was the Experimental Type 15-Ko Reconnaissance Seaplane, (Mi-go), and the Yokosho aircraft was the Experimental Tatsu-go Reconnaissance Seaplane. Chief designer for Nakajima, Takao Yoshida, departed from this design and created a sequiplane with better downward view than its two competitors. All three were powered by the 300 hp Mitsubishi Type Hi engine. After flight trials by the Navy's chief test pilot, Lieut-Cdr Hisakichi Akaishi, the Nakajima entry was selected as better than the other two and became Japan's first originally-designed shipboard reconnaissance seaplane.
After the decision was made to accept the Nakajima design, modifications and tests continued. It was not until May 1927 that the Navy officially adopted the aircraft as the Type 15-1 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N1) and Type 15-2 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N2), the latter being an intermediate seaplane trainer with dual controls and provision for a hood for instrument training. They were widely used for training at Kasumigaura until replaced by the Type 93 Intermediate Seaplane Trainer. The reconnaissance model, E2N1, was intended for short-range operational missions from battleships and cruisers, while for more distant missions, the Navy relied upon the Type 14 Reconnaissance Seaplane built by both Yokosho and Nakajima. The E2N1, was a twin-float sesquiplane, of all-wood construction with fabric covering. It had rearward-folding wings for storage. It was armed with one flexible machine-gun in the rear cockpit.
Nakajima produced the E2N1 from 1927 to 1928, and the E2N2 from 1928 to 1929, with later production being transferred to Kawanishi. These aircraft became the Navy's first-line shipboard reconnaissance seaplanes, the first to use the newly developed catapult systems, replacing such aircraft as the Aichi Type 2 that took off under their own power from the top of gun turrets. The E2Ns were the last of the all-wooden Navy aircraft, and were eventually replaced by various models of the Nakajima Type 90.
Several were used by civil operators for air mail services and fish spotting, under the designation Nakajima Fishery Seaplane.
The top photo was taken from The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft, by David Donald. The middle and bottom photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki KK (Nakajima Aeroplane Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in two open cockpits.
Powerplant: 300-340 hp Mitsubishi TYpe Hi (Hispano-Suiza) eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal position.
Dimensions: Span 13.52 m (44 ft 4 1/4 in); length 9.565 m (31 ft 4 1/2 in); height 3.688 m (12 ft 1 in); wing area 44 sq m (473.627 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 1,409 kg (3,106 lb); loaded 1,950 kg (4,299 lb); wing loading 44.3 kg/sq m (9 lb/sq ft); power loading 6.5 kg/hp (14.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 93 kt (107 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 31 min 37 sec; endurance 5 hr.
Production: A total of 77 Navy Type 15 seaplanes were built as follows:
Nakajima Hikoki KK:
47 - production aircraft were built between 1927-1929.
2-3 - civil conversions were built in 1930
Kawanishi Kokuki KK:
30 - production aircraft were built between 1929-1930
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
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- The Nakajima E2N reconnaissance sesquiplane was typical of such seaplanes in service with many naval air arms all around the world at that time.
- Nakajima E2N.jpg (60.82 KiB) Viewed 4293 times
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- This view of the Type 15-1 Reconnaissance Seaplane clearly shows the frontal radiator and strut arrangement.
- Nakajima E2N1 (1).jpg (69.61 KiB) Viewed 4299 times
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- Nakajima Navy Type 15-1 Reconnaissance Seaplane (E2N1).
- Nakajima E2N1.jpg (80.02 KiB) Viewed 4302 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 30 Oct 2003, 12:36, edited 1 time in total.
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Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Yokosuka (Yokosho) Experimental Tatsu-go Reconnaissance Seaplane
The standard Navy reconnaissance seaplane at this time was the Type Hansa, which had been produced by Aichi, Nakajima and Yokosho up until 1925 and in that year all three companies experimented with improved designs based on the Hansa-type low-wing seaplane. Yokosho's version designated tatsu-go, closely resembled the Hansa-type but its chief designer, Narihisa Yokota, decided to build it completely of metal, using techniques pioneered by Dornier, and it was the first all-metal seaplane built in Japan.
Like the Hansa-type it was a twin-float low-wing cantilever monoplane with the tailplane mounted on top of the fuselage and the rudder protruding some way below the fuselage. The rectangular-section fuselage had external longitudinal stiffeners and, as on Dornier designs there were auxiliary surfaces above and ahead of the ailerons.
Flight tests proved it to be very unstable, causing the entire project to be abandoned at an early stage. The Tatsu-go's shortcomings were due to lack of experience in this type of construction.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, b y Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho (Yokosuka Naval Arsenal).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 300-320 hp Mitsubishi Type Hi (Hispano-Suiza) eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, drivnig a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) macine-gun in open dorsal position.
Dimensions: Span 15 m (49 ft 2 1/2 in); length 9.15 m (30 ft); height 3.60 m (11 ft 9 1/2 in).
Weights: Empty 1,445 kf (3,185 lb); loaded 2,100 kg (4,629 lb).
Performance: Maximum speed 93 kt (107 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 44 min 40 sec.
Production: Only on protoype Tatsu-go was built by Yokosuka kaigun Ko-sho in 1925.
Regards
Bob
Yokosuka (Yokosho) Experimental Tatsu-go Reconnaissance Seaplane
The standard Navy reconnaissance seaplane at this time was the Type Hansa, which had been produced by Aichi, Nakajima and Yokosho up until 1925 and in that year all three companies experimented with improved designs based on the Hansa-type low-wing seaplane. Yokosho's version designated tatsu-go, closely resembled the Hansa-type but its chief designer, Narihisa Yokota, decided to build it completely of metal, using techniques pioneered by Dornier, and it was the first all-metal seaplane built in Japan.
Like the Hansa-type it was a twin-float low-wing cantilever monoplane with the tailplane mounted on top of the fuselage and the rudder protruding some way below the fuselage. The rectangular-section fuselage had external longitudinal stiffeners and, as on Dornier designs there were auxiliary surfaces above and ahead of the ailerons.
Flight tests proved it to be very unstable, causing the entire project to be abandoned at an early stage. The Tatsu-go's shortcomings were due to lack of experience in this type of construction.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, b y Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho (Yokosuka Naval Arsenal).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 300-320 hp Mitsubishi Type Hi (Hispano-Suiza) eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, drivnig a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) macine-gun in open dorsal position.
Dimensions: Span 15 m (49 ft 2 1/2 in); length 9.15 m (30 ft); height 3.60 m (11 ft 9 1/2 in).
Weights: Empty 1,445 kf (3,185 lb); loaded 2,100 kg (4,629 lb).
Performance: Maximum speed 93 kt (107 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 44 min 40 sec.
Production: Only on protoype Tatsu-go was built by Yokosuka kaigun Ko-sho in 1925.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
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- Yokosho Tatsu-go Experimental Reconnaissance Seaplane.
- Tatsu-go.jpg (57.09 KiB) Viewed 4289 times
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Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Aichi Navy Type 2 two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (HD 25)
During the mid-1920s, while Germany was still forbidden to build military aircraft, Heinkel had designed and manufactured a number of high-performance civil aircraft that had obvious military potential. These aircraft were primarily mailplanes, cargo/passenger transports and trainers as well as some military aircraft for export. Heinkel float-equipped aircraft were regarded as among the best in the world.
At the request of the Japanese Navy, Aichi imported a selection of Heinkel aircraft such as the HD 25, HD 26 and HD 28* reconnaissance seaplanes and later the HD 23 carrier fighter, all intended for research and testing by the Navy. While the Navy was developing in parallel its own Yokosho Type 14 Reconnaissance Seaplane it also accepted the HD 25 design for manufacture in Japan. This aircraft was to take-off from a very short ramp aboard a warship and be recovered after alighting alongside on the water.
Unofficially the HD 25 was called the Heinkel Large Reconnaissance Seaplane or Heinkel-type Warship Seaplane. When it was officially accepted by the Navy in March 1928, the designation became Type 2 Two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane. Design changes required from Heinkel under this licence agreement were for shortening the rear portion of the fuselage to provide sufficient clearance while the aircraft was on the take-off ramp which was to be on top of one of the ship's gun turrets. Wing loading had to be reduced in order to shorten the take-off run. Structurally, its ply-covered fuselage and semi-cantilever thick-section wings were quite advanced when compared with the its counterpart, the Yokosho Type 14, with fabric covered fuselage, four interplane struts on each side and the usual bracing wires. Other innovations on the Heinkel design were simple hook-type wing fittings for ease of handling.
Aichi assumed production of the Type 2 Two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane. The port of Nagoya was the site of the first test flight which was made by Aichi's test pilot, Kanekichi Yokoyama, under the close scrutiny of the Navy's representatives for the project, Lieut Makoto Awaya and Lieut-Cdr Ichitaro Yonezawa. Once the Navy was satisfied with the aircraft's performance, some were used aboard the Navy's heavy cruisers, but, with the advent of shipboard catapults, these early ship-based seaplanes became obsolete in favour of higher performance seaplanes designed for catapult launching. As a result, some of them were released for civil use and production terminated after a small number were built.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electrical Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 450-500 hp Napier Lion twelve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal position. Bomb-load: 300 kg (66 lb) of bombs.
Dimensions: Span (protoype) 14.856 m (48 ft 9 in), (production) 14.878 m (48 ft 10 in); length (prototype) 9.684 m (31 ft 9 in). (production) 9.695 m (31 ft 9 1/2 in); height 4.268 m (14 ft).
Weights: Empty (prototype) 1,601 kg (3,529 lb), (production) 1,700 kg (3,747 lb); ship take-off weight (prototype) 2,343 kg (5,165 lb), (production) 2,350 kg (5,180 lb); water take-off weight (production) 2,565 kg (5,654 lb).
Performance: Maximum speed 110 kt (127 mph) at sea level; alighting speed 48.5 kt (56 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 15 min 14 sec; range 495 nm (568 miles).
Production: A total of 16 Type 2s were built by Aichi Tokei Denki KK between 1926 and 1928.
* Up to about 1933 HD stood for Heikel Doppeldecker (biplane), HE stood for Heinkel Eindecker (monoplane).
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Aichi Navy Type 2 two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (HD 25)
During the mid-1920s, while Germany was still forbidden to build military aircraft, Heinkel had designed and manufactured a number of high-performance civil aircraft that had obvious military potential. These aircraft were primarily mailplanes, cargo/passenger transports and trainers as well as some military aircraft for export. Heinkel float-equipped aircraft were regarded as among the best in the world.
At the request of the Japanese Navy, Aichi imported a selection of Heinkel aircraft such as the HD 25, HD 26 and HD 28* reconnaissance seaplanes and later the HD 23 carrier fighter, all intended for research and testing by the Navy. While the Navy was developing in parallel its own Yokosho Type 14 Reconnaissance Seaplane it also accepted the HD 25 design for manufacture in Japan. This aircraft was to take-off from a very short ramp aboard a warship and be recovered after alighting alongside on the water.
Unofficially the HD 25 was called the Heinkel Large Reconnaissance Seaplane or Heinkel-type Warship Seaplane. When it was officially accepted by the Navy in March 1928, the designation became Type 2 Two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane. Design changes required from Heinkel under this licence agreement were for shortening the rear portion of the fuselage to provide sufficient clearance while the aircraft was on the take-off ramp which was to be on top of one of the ship's gun turrets. Wing loading had to be reduced in order to shorten the take-off run. Structurally, its ply-covered fuselage and semi-cantilever thick-section wings were quite advanced when compared with the its counterpart, the Yokosho Type 14, with fabric covered fuselage, four interplane struts on each side and the usual bracing wires. Other innovations on the Heinkel design were simple hook-type wing fittings for ease of handling.
Aichi assumed production of the Type 2 Two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane. The port of Nagoya was the site of the first test flight which was made by Aichi's test pilot, Kanekichi Yokoyama, under the close scrutiny of the Navy's representatives for the project, Lieut Makoto Awaya and Lieut-Cdr Ichitaro Yonezawa. Once the Navy was satisfied with the aircraft's performance, some were used aboard the Navy's heavy cruisers, but, with the advent of shipboard catapults, these early ship-based seaplanes became obsolete in favour of higher performance seaplanes designed for catapult launching. As a result, some of them were released for civil use and production terminated after a small number were built.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electrical Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 450-500 hp Napier Lion twelve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal position. Bomb-load: 300 kg (66 lb) of bombs.
Dimensions: Span (protoype) 14.856 m (48 ft 9 in), (production) 14.878 m (48 ft 10 in); length (prototype) 9.684 m (31 ft 9 in). (production) 9.695 m (31 ft 9 1/2 in); height 4.268 m (14 ft).
Weights: Empty (prototype) 1,601 kg (3,529 lb), (production) 1,700 kg (3,747 lb); ship take-off weight (prototype) 2,343 kg (5,165 lb), (production) 2,350 kg (5,180 lb); water take-off weight (production) 2,565 kg (5,654 lb).
Performance: Maximum speed 110 kt (127 mph) at sea level; alighting speed 48.5 kt (56 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 15 min 14 sec; range 495 nm (568 miles).
Production: A total of 16 Type 2s were built by Aichi Tokei Denki KK between 1926 and 1928.
* Up to about 1933 HD stood for Heikel Doppeldecker (biplane), HE stood for Heinkel Eindecker (monoplane).
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
- Attachments
-
- Aichi Navy Type 2 two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane adapted from the Heinkel HD 25.
- Aichi Type 2 (HD 25).jpg (83.44 KiB) Viewed 4292 times
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Aichi Navy Type 2 Single-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (HD 26)
The prototype of this aircraft, the HD 26, was imported in 1926 at the same time as the other Heinkel aircraft. It was intended that it should be used as a basis upon which to design a reconnaissance seaplane capable of taking-off under its own power from on top of a warship gun turret. The aircraft was basically the same as the HD 25 but was scaled-down as a single-seat aircraft. In Germany it was referred to as a fighter seaplane, but in Japan it was unofficially called the Heinkel Small Reconnaissance Seaplane or Heinkel-go Reconnaissance Seaplane.
Tests were made with the one imported HD 26 and one built by Aichi in operating from the gun turrets of the battleship Nagato and the cruiser Furutaka. As with its predecessor, catapult use rendered the aircraft obsolete in favour of more suitable designs.
The top photo was taken from The Complete Book of Fighters, by William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The bootom photo was taken from
Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electrical Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One (HD 26) 300 hp Hispano-Suiza eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller, one (Aichi-built) 420 hp Bristol Jupiter VI nine-cylinder air-cooled raidla engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One fixed forward-fring 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun.
Dimensions: Span 11.80 m (38 ft 8 1/2 in); length (HD 26) 8.30 m (27 ft 3 in), (Aichi-built) 8.438 m (27 ft 8 1/4 in); height (HD 26) 3.60 m (11 ft 10 in), (Aichi-built) 3.593 m (11 ft 9 1/2 in); wing area 37.8 sq m (406.889 sq ft).
Dimensions: Empty (HD 26) 1,146 kg (2,526.5 lb), (Aichi-built) 1,150 kg (2,535.3 lb); loaded (HD 26) 1,526 kg (3,364.2 lb), (Aichi-built) 1,500 kg (3,306.9 lb); womh loading (HD 26) 40.3 kg/sq m (8.254lb/sq ft), (Aichi-built) 39.7 kg/sq m (8,131 lb/sq ft); power loading (HD 26) 5.08kg/hp (11.2 lb/hp), (Aichi-built) 3.57 kg/hp (7.8 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed (HD 26) 99 kt (114 mph) at sea level, (Aichi-built) 114 kt (132 mph) at sea level; alighting speed (HD 26) 43 kt (50 mph); Climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in (HD 26) 14 min, (Aichi-built) 7 min 30 sec; service ceiling (HD 26) 7,200 m (23,622 ft).
Production: A total of two Navy Type 2 Single-seat reconnaissance seaplane were built as follows:
Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke:
1 - prototype - 1925
Aichi Tokei Denki KK:
1 - prototype - 1926.
Regards
Bob
Aichi Navy Type 2 Single-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (HD 26)
The prototype of this aircraft, the HD 26, was imported in 1926 at the same time as the other Heinkel aircraft. It was intended that it should be used as a basis upon which to design a reconnaissance seaplane capable of taking-off under its own power from on top of a warship gun turret. The aircraft was basically the same as the HD 25 but was scaled-down as a single-seat aircraft. In Germany it was referred to as a fighter seaplane, but in Japan it was unofficially called the Heinkel Small Reconnaissance Seaplane or Heinkel-go Reconnaissance Seaplane.
Tests were made with the one imported HD 26 and one built by Aichi in operating from the gun turrets of the battleship Nagato and the cruiser Furutaka. As with its predecessor, catapult use rendered the aircraft obsolete in favour of more suitable designs.
The top photo was taken from The Complete Book of Fighters, by William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The bootom photo was taken from
Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electrical Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One (HD 26) 300 hp Hispano-Suiza eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller, one (Aichi-built) 420 hp Bristol Jupiter VI nine-cylinder air-cooled raidla engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One fixed forward-fring 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun.
Dimensions: Span 11.80 m (38 ft 8 1/2 in); length (HD 26) 8.30 m (27 ft 3 in), (Aichi-built) 8.438 m (27 ft 8 1/4 in); height (HD 26) 3.60 m (11 ft 10 in), (Aichi-built) 3.593 m (11 ft 9 1/2 in); wing area 37.8 sq m (406.889 sq ft).
Dimensions: Empty (HD 26) 1,146 kg (2,526.5 lb), (Aichi-built) 1,150 kg (2,535.3 lb); loaded (HD 26) 1,526 kg (3,364.2 lb), (Aichi-built) 1,500 kg (3,306.9 lb); womh loading (HD 26) 40.3 kg/sq m (8.254lb/sq ft), (Aichi-built) 39.7 kg/sq m (8,131 lb/sq ft); power loading (HD 26) 5.08kg/hp (11.2 lb/hp), (Aichi-built) 3.57 kg/hp (7.8 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed (HD 26) 99 kt (114 mph) at sea level, (Aichi-built) 114 kt (132 mph) at sea level; alighting speed (HD 26) 43 kt (50 mph); Climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in (HD 26) 14 min, (Aichi-built) 7 min 30 sec; service ceiling (HD 26) 7,200 m (23,622 ft).
Production: A total of two Navy Type 2 Single-seat reconnaissance seaplane were built as follows:
Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke:
1 - prototype - 1925
Aichi Tokei Denki KK:
1 - prototype - 1926.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
-
- The sole Warnemunde-built prototype of the HD 26 shipboard fighter-reconnaissance aircraft.
- HD 26.jpg (83.52 KiB) Viewed 4274 times
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- Aichi Type 2 Single-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane based on the HD 26.
- Aichi Type 2 (HD 26).jpg (76.15 KiB) Viewed 4284 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 30 Oct 2003, 12:46, edited 1 time in total.
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Aichi Experimental Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (HD 28)
In 1926, at the time of acquiring the HD 25 and HD 26, Aichi imported from Heinkel and HD28 three-seat long-range reconnaissance seaplane. This HD 28 was referred to as the Heinkel Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane or Heinkel-2 Reconnaissance Seaplane.
This aircraft was of very strong construction for seaworthiness and had more than nine hours endurance when cruising at 80 kts (92 mph), and was Heinkel's most ambitious design at that time. Structurally, it was very different to the earlier HD 25 in that it had a welded steel-tube fuselage with fabric covering, and wire-braced wings. These features were
adopted for Aichi's later designs which became the AB-5 and AB-6.*
Much was expected of this aircraft but it failed to achieve its anticipated performance due to engine problems, and it did not provide the crew with a good view. These deficiences caused the Navy to withdraw its interest by 1928. Deteremined to resolve the problems, however, Tesuo Miki, ac ting as project engineer, modifed the design to use the less powerful 450 hp Nakajima-built Jupiter engine. This redesign made the aircraft slightly smaller in overall dimensions in order to compensate for the less powerful engine. The fuel tank was moved from the fuselage to the upper wing centre section, allowing the three seats to be moved further forward. Unfortunately, these modifications were not effective, and further design changes included a shorter span lower wing, and stagger by moving the upper wing forward of the lower wing, all to no avail. Calculations revealed that the intended reduction in weight could not be met and as a result further development ended in 1929. Although this redesigned aircraft was not built following the import of one HD 28, it had a strong influence upon later Aichi designs of three-seat reconnaissance seaplanes.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electric Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew(3): Pilot, observer and rear gunner in open tandem cockpits.
Powerplant: One 650-710 hp Lorraine-Dietrich 18-III eighteen-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving a four-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: Two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns, one flexible rear-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal cockp[it. Bomb-load: two 110 kg (242 lb) bombs (with 220 kg [485 lb] of fuel reduction).
Dimensions: Span 15 m (49 ft 2 1/2 in); length 10.95 m (35 ft 11 in); height 4.17 m (13 ft 8 1/4 in); wing area 59.5 sq m (640.473 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 2,850 kg (5,214 lb); loaded 3,850 kg (8,488 lb); wing loading 64.7 kg/sq m (13.2 lb/sq ft); power loading 5.9 kg/hp (13 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 108 kt (125 mph) at sea level; cruising speed 81 kt (93 mph); alighting speed 52 kt (60 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 19 min 24 sec; service ceiling 4,500 m (14,763 ft).
Production: 1 prototype was built in 1926 by Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke, Warnemunde.
* Aichi assigned a two-letter prefix and a consecutive number to each of its aircraft designs. The first letter was always A for Aichi, and the second was B for biplane or M for monoplane. These model designations applied only to within the factory, for in the case of military aircraft the military designation was dominant.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Aichi Experimental Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (HD 28)
In 1926, at the time of acquiring the HD 25 and HD 26, Aichi imported from Heinkel and HD28 three-seat long-range reconnaissance seaplane. This HD 28 was referred to as the Heinkel Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane or Heinkel-2 Reconnaissance Seaplane.
This aircraft was of very strong construction for seaworthiness and had more than nine hours endurance when cruising at 80 kts (92 mph), and was Heinkel's most ambitious design at that time. Structurally, it was very different to the earlier HD 25 in that it had a welded steel-tube fuselage with fabric covering, and wire-braced wings. These features were
adopted for Aichi's later designs which became the AB-5 and AB-6.*
Much was expected of this aircraft but it failed to achieve its anticipated performance due to engine problems, and it did not provide the crew with a good view. These deficiences caused the Navy to withdraw its interest by 1928. Deteremined to resolve the problems, however, Tesuo Miki, ac ting as project engineer, modifed the design to use the less powerful 450 hp Nakajima-built Jupiter engine. This redesign made the aircraft slightly smaller in overall dimensions in order to compensate for the less powerful engine. The fuel tank was moved from the fuselage to the upper wing centre section, allowing the three seats to be moved further forward. Unfortunately, these modifications were not effective, and further design changes included a shorter span lower wing, and stagger by moving the upper wing forward of the lower wing, all to no avail. Calculations revealed that the intended reduction in weight could not be met and as a result further development ended in 1929. Although this redesigned aircraft was not built following the import of one HD 28, it had a strong influence upon later Aichi designs of three-seat reconnaissance seaplanes.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electric Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined twin-float reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew(3): Pilot, observer and rear gunner in open tandem cockpits.
Powerplant: One 650-710 hp Lorraine-Dietrich 18-III eighteen-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving a four-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: Two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns, one flexible rear-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal cockp[it. Bomb-load: two 110 kg (242 lb) bombs (with 220 kg [485 lb] of fuel reduction).
Dimensions: Span 15 m (49 ft 2 1/2 in); length 10.95 m (35 ft 11 in); height 4.17 m (13 ft 8 1/4 in); wing area 59.5 sq m (640.473 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 2,850 kg (5,214 lb); loaded 3,850 kg (8,488 lb); wing loading 64.7 kg/sq m (13.2 lb/sq ft); power loading 5.9 kg/hp (13 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 108 kt (125 mph) at sea level; cruising speed 81 kt (93 mph); alighting speed 52 kt (60 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 19 min 24 sec; service ceiling 4,500 m (14,763 ft).
Production: 1 prototype was built in 1926 by Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke, Warnemunde.
* Aichi assigned a two-letter prefix and a consecutive number to each of its aircraft designs. The first letter was always A for Aichi, and the second was B for biplane or M for monoplane. These model designations applied only to within the factory, for in the case of military aircraft the military designation was dominant.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
- Attachments
-
- Aichi Experimental Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane imported as the HD 28.
- Aichi Experimental (HD 28).jpg (70.04 KiB) Viewed 4279 times
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Aichi Type-H Experimental Carrier Fighter (HD 23)
In April 1926, the Navy asked for design proposals from Aichi, Mitsubishi and Nakajima for the development of a new carrier-based fighter to replace the Mitsubishi Type 10 Carrier Fighter. These had been the world's first carrier-type aircraft built for that purpose and were first used aboard the carrier Hosho. In turn, Aichi asked Heinkel to design and build two prototypes to meet this requirment. These became the HD 23.
The HD 23 was a single-bay equi-span staggered wing biplane of mixed construction, the structure being of wood with a metal framed tail. The structure being covered by a mixture of plywood and fabric. The first protoype was powered by a 500-700 hp BMW IVa engine, while the other prototype was powered with a 450 hp Hispano-Suiza 12Ha engine. Armament comprised two fixed forwrd-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. An unusual feature of the design was that the lower portion of the fuselage, which, built on the lines of boat , was watertight and incorporated flotation bags for emergency alighting on the water.
The first of two prototypes built by the parent company was flown in 1926, both being shipped to Japan by the summer of 1927 and flight tested at Kagamigahara (Gifu AFB north of Nagoya). Two further examples were built by Aichi in 1927 as the Type H. These beginning testing by Aichi's test pilot Kanekichi Yokoyama that December. The Navy also made tests which led to some modifications. These recommended changes were incorporated into the design by engineer Tetsuo Miki who was assigned to the development project.
The final design had a number of interesting features. Among them were provision for safer emergency landing at sea made possible by jettisoning the undercarriage and a device which stopped the propeller in a horizontal position. This allowed for a relatively unhindered alighting on the boat-type under fuselage. The fuselage and wing leading edges were relatively watertight for buoyancy. Moveable wing slats were incorporated which reduced landing distances from 160 m (525 ft) to 130 m (426 ft) when used.
Perhaps more emphasis was placed on ditching features than the on the aircraft itself, because the HD 23 was overweight and had poor stability when landing due particularly to being nose heavy. This made it difficult to make a three-point landing on a carrier. The general manoeuvrability of this fighter was poor. With a multitude of problems, further development was terminated. Mitsubishi also lost in the competition, and the winning entry was the light-weight Nakajima Type G, which was a modified version of the British Gloster Gambet. This became the Type 3 Carrier Fighter, but without the elaborate safety features of the HD 23.
The top photo was taken from The Complete Book of Fighters, by William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The bottom phot was taken from japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electrical Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne fighter.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 500-700 hp BMW VIa twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller, or one 450 hp Hispano-Suiza 12 Ha twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: Two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. Bomb-load: two 30 kg (66 lb) bombs.
Dimensions: Span 10.80 m (35 ft 5 1/4 in); length 7.64 m (25 ft 1 in); height 3.40 m (11 ft 2 in); wing area 35.32 sq m (380.193 sq ft).
Weights: Empty (with Hispano-Suiza) 1,275 kg (2,810 lb), (with BMW VIa) 1,467 kg (3,234 lb); loade (with Hispano-Suiza) 1,830 kg (4,034 lb), (with BMW VIa) 2,010 kg (4,431 lb); wing loading 51.9 kg/sq m (10.630 lb/sq ft); power loading 4.06 kg/hp (8.9 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 135 kt (155 mph) at sea level; cruising speed 90 kt (104 mph) at 1,000 m (3,280 ft); minimum speed 35 kt (40 mph) at 1,000 m (3,280 ft); climb to 3,00 m (9,843 ft) in 7 min 36 sec; service ceiling 6,250 m (20,505 ft).
Production: A total of 4 prototypes were built as follows:
Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke:
2 - HD 23 produced in 1926.
Aichi Tokei Denki KK:
2 - Type H produced in 1927.
Regards
Bob
Aichi Type-H Experimental Carrier Fighter (HD 23)
In April 1926, the Navy asked for design proposals from Aichi, Mitsubishi and Nakajima for the development of a new carrier-based fighter to replace the Mitsubishi Type 10 Carrier Fighter. These had been the world's first carrier-type aircraft built for that purpose and were first used aboard the carrier Hosho. In turn, Aichi asked Heinkel to design and build two prototypes to meet this requirment. These became the HD 23.
The HD 23 was a single-bay equi-span staggered wing biplane of mixed construction, the structure being of wood with a metal framed tail. The structure being covered by a mixture of plywood and fabric. The first protoype was powered by a 500-700 hp BMW IVa engine, while the other prototype was powered with a 450 hp Hispano-Suiza 12Ha engine. Armament comprised two fixed forwrd-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. An unusual feature of the design was that the lower portion of the fuselage, which, built on the lines of boat , was watertight and incorporated flotation bags for emergency alighting on the water.
The first of two prototypes built by the parent company was flown in 1926, both being shipped to Japan by the summer of 1927 and flight tested at Kagamigahara (Gifu AFB north of Nagoya). Two further examples were built by Aichi in 1927 as the Type H. These beginning testing by Aichi's test pilot Kanekichi Yokoyama that December. The Navy also made tests which led to some modifications. These recommended changes were incorporated into the design by engineer Tetsuo Miki who was assigned to the development project.
The final design had a number of interesting features. Among them were provision for safer emergency landing at sea made possible by jettisoning the undercarriage and a device which stopped the propeller in a horizontal position. This allowed for a relatively unhindered alighting on the boat-type under fuselage. The fuselage and wing leading edges were relatively watertight for buoyancy. Moveable wing slats were incorporated which reduced landing distances from 160 m (525 ft) to 130 m (426 ft) when used.
Perhaps more emphasis was placed on ditching features than the on the aircraft itself, because the HD 23 was overweight and had poor stability when landing due particularly to being nose heavy. This made it difficult to make a three-point landing on a carrier. The general manoeuvrability of this fighter was poor. With a multitude of problems, further development was terminated. Mitsubishi also lost in the competition, and the winning entry was the light-weight Nakajima Type G, which was a modified version of the British Gloster Gambet. This became the Type 3 Carrier Fighter, but without the elaborate safety features of the HD 23.
The top photo was taken from The Complete Book of Fighters, by William Green and Gordon Swanborough. The bottom phot was taken from japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Aichi Tokei Denki KK (Aichi Watch and Electrical Machinery Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne fighter.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 500-700 hp BMW VIa twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller, or one 450 hp Hispano-Suiza 12 Ha twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: Two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. Bomb-load: two 30 kg (66 lb) bombs.
Dimensions: Span 10.80 m (35 ft 5 1/4 in); length 7.64 m (25 ft 1 in); height 3.40 m (11 ft 2 in); wing area 35.32 sq m (380.193 sq ft).
Weights: Empty (with Hispano-Suiza) 1,275 kg (2,810 lb), (with BMW VIa) 1,467 kg (3,234 lb); loade (with Hispano-Suiza) 1,830 kg (4,034 lb), (with BMW VIa) 2,010 kg (4,431 lb); wing loading 51.9 kg/sq m (10.630 lb/sq ft); power loading 4.06 kg/hp (8.9 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 135 kt (155 mph) at sea level; cruising speed 90 kt (104 mph) at 1,000 m (3,280 ft); minimum speed 35 kt (40 mph) at 1,000 m (3,280 ft); climb to 3,00 m (9,843 ft) in 7 min 36 sec; service ceiling 6,250 m (20,505 ft).
Production: A total of 4 prototypes were built as follows:
Ernst Heinkel Flugzeugwerke:
2 - HD 23 produced in 1926.
Aichi Tokei Denki KK:
2 - Type H produced in 1927.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
-
- The first Heinkel single-seat fighter, the HD 23.
- HD 23.jpg (79.23 KiB) Viewed 4459 times
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- Aichi Experimental Type-H Carrier Fighter, one of two imported HD 23s.
- Aichi Type-H.jpg (78.54 KiB) Viewed 4459 times
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Hiro R-3 Experimental Flying-boat
All-metal flying-boat technology and experience having become available in Europe, the Navy decided that both Mitsubishi and the Hiro Naval Arsenal should manufacture aircraft of this type. Thus in the spring of 1923, the Navy sent Lieut Misao Wada and engineer Junichiro Nahagata of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal to Germany and the Rohrbach company to study the new construction techniques, and Hiro sent Lieut (Ordnance) Jun Okamura to Rohrbach for the same purpose.
By 1925, components for one Rohrbach R 1 flying-boat manufactured in Copenhagen, and powered by two 360 hp Rolls-Royce engines had reached Japan and the President of Rohrbach, and an engineer, Paul Ludwig, went to assist with its assembly which was done at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal where it was evaluated. Mitsubishi took the opportunity to establish the Mitsubishi-Rohrbach GmbH in Berlin where parts and components of flying-boats were manufactured, apparently to control the market in Japan. Not to be outdone, the Hiro Naval Arsenal built a follow-on aircraft with sufficient changes to avoid infringements. This was called the R-3, differing from the R 1 and R-2 by having 450 hp Hiro-built Lorraine 2 engines mounted on newly configured struts. The squared-off wingtips were changed to rounded configuration, and a wing centre section without dihedral was added. The wings and hull were slightly larger, which accounted for an increase in weight. A change was made in the wing-mounted floats in that they were square-sectioned to improve take-off ability. In all, there was a slight increase in speed, but a reduction in rate of climb because of the greater weight. The most noticeable change was in the slight V-shape of the planing bottom.
Because of its excessive weight, the R-3 was not put into production, but aerodynaically the design had numerous innovations. Its cantilever wing with thick-section aerofoil and Wagner diagonal tension-field structure, high wing loading and high aspect ratio were advancements in the state of the art. Square sections of the hull eased production adding strength but also bringing about skin distortion. The R-3's shortcomings, in addition to weight, were its poor ability to cope with waves of any size and its high power loading. Therefore, it was never accepted as an operational aircraft but, like the Mitsubishi-built R-2 which influenced later designs for that company, so the R-3 influenced later Hiro designs. The contribution to design technology of these Type-R flying-boats was held in high regard by the Japanese aeronautical community.
The photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Hiro Kaigun Kosho (Hiro Naval Arseanl).
Type: Type: Twin-engined flying-boat.
Crew (6):
Powerplant: Two 450-485 hp Hiro-built Lorraine 2 twleve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible nose-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, one flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal position.
Dimensions: Span 29.10 m (95 ft (5 3/4 in); length 17.67 m (57 ft 11 3/4 in); height 5.20 m (17 ft 0 3/4 in).
Weights: Empty 4,676 kg (10,308 lb); loaded 6,690 kg (14, 749 lb); power loading 7.43 kg/hp (16.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 100 kt (115 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 30 min; endurance 12 hr.
Production: One aircraft built by Hiro Kaigun Kosho in 1927.
Regards
Bob
Hiro R-3 Experimental Flying-boat
All-metal flying-boat technology and experience having become available in Europe, the Navy decided that both Mitsubishi and the Hiro Naval Arsenal should manufacture aircraft of this type. Thus in the spring of 1923, the Navy sent Lieut Misao Wada and engineer Junichiro Nahagata of the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal to Germany and the Rohrbach company to study the new construction techniques, and Hiro sent Lieut (Ordnance) Jun Okamura to Rohrbach for the same purpose.
By 1925, components for one Rohrbach R 1 flying-boat manufactured in Copenhagen, and powered by two 360 hp Rolls-Royce engines had reached Japan and the President of Rohrbach, and an engineer, Paul Ludwig, went to assist with its assembly which was done at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal where it was evaluated. Mitsubishi took the opportunity to establish the Mitsubishi-Rohrbach GmbH in Berlin where parts and components of flying-boats were manufactured, apparently to control the market in Japan. Not to be outdone, the Hiro Naval Arsenal built a follow-on aircraft with sufficient changes to avoid infringements. This was called the R-3, differing from the R 1 and R-2 by having 450 hp Hiro-built Lorraine 2 engines mounted on newly configured struts. The squared-off wingtips were changed to rounded configuration, and a wing centre section without dihedral was added. The wings and hull were slightly larger, which accounted for an increase in weight. A change was made in the wing-mounted floats in that they were square-sectioned to improve take-off ability. In all, there was a slight increase in speed, but a reduction in rate of climb because of the greater weight. The most noticeable change was in the slight V-shape of the planing bottom.
Because of its excessive weight, the R-3 was not put into production, but aerodynaically the design had numerous innovations. Its cantilever wing with thick-section aerofoil and Wagner diagonal tension-field structure, high wing loading and high aspect ratio were advancements in the state of the art. Square sections of the hull eased production adding strength but also bringing about skin distortion. The R-3's shortcomings, in addition to weight, were its poor ability to cope with waves of any size and its high power loading. Therefore, it was never accepted as an operational aircraft but, like the Mitsubishi-built R-2 which influenced later designs for that company, so the R-3 influenced later Hiro designs. The contribution to design technology of these Type-R flying-boats was held in high regard by the Japanese aeronautical community.
The photos were taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Hiro Kaigun Kosho (Hiro Naval Arseanl).
Type: Type: Twin-engined flying-boat.
Crew (6):
Powerplant: Two 450-485 hp Hiro-built Lorraine 2 twleve-cylinder W-type water-cooled engine, driving two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: One flexible nose-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, one flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun in open dorsal position.
Dimensions: Span 29.10 m (95 ft (5 3/4 in); length 17.67 m (57 ft 11 3/4 in); height 5.20 m (17 ft 0 3/4 in).
Weights: Empty 4,676 kg (10,308 lb); loaded 6,690 kg (14, 749 lb); power loading 7.43 kg/hp (16.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 100 kt (115 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 30 min; endurance 12 hr.
Production: One aircraft built by Hiro Kaigun Kosho in 1927.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
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- Hiro modified and assembled R-3.
- Hiro R-3 (3).jpg (73.22 KiB) Viewed 4441 times
-
- This view of the R-3 shows more clearly the hull shape and marked dihedral.
- Hiro R-3 (2).jpg (62.23 KiB) Viewed 4440 times
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- The Hiro R-3 Experimental Flying-boat.
- Hiro R-3 (1).jpg (62.71 KiB) Viewed 4441 times
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Kawanishi K-11 Experimental Carrier Fighter
In April 1926, Aichi, Mitsubishi and Nakajima, received orders from the Navy for a carrier-based fighter to replace the ageing Mitsubishi Type 10 Carrier Fighter. Kawanishi, in seeking Navy recognition for such contracts, proceeded with its own design as a private venture.
This private-venture design, designated K-11 by Kawanishi, was designed by Eiji Sekiguchi, and was a staggered equi-span single-bay biplane with a light metal structured fuselage covered with fabric and wooden wings - the upper having fabric skinning and the lower plywood skinning - the K-11 was powered by a 500 hp BMW VI water-cooled engine. It carried an armament of two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. was jettisonable.
Eiji Sekiguchi used the Gottingen 420 aerofoil on the upper wing and 416 aerofoil on the bottom and neither wing had any dihedral. Manually-operated retractable radiators were incorporated on each side of the fuselage aft of the lower wing for cooling the BMW engine. Promiment features were the unusually high fin and rudder, and long-span ailerons on the upper wing only, these also serving as landing flaps. The newly available Oleo shock struts were used in combination with bungee cords within the fixed undercarriage legs. The undercarriage could be jettisoned before alighting onto water.
Completed in July 1927, the first of two K-11 prototypes was tested at Kagamigahara along with the three other fighters built at the Navy's request. The Kawanishi aircraft showed such promise that a second example was built in 1928. This second prototype differed notably from the first by having changes made to the fuselage structure and the tailplane. However, these aircraft and the two other entries failed to win Naval approval and the Nakajima-entered Gloster Gambit was declared the winner, entering service as the Nakajima Type 3 Carrier Fighter.
Following the competition, the two K-11s were put into service with Kawanishi's Nippon Koku KK and used experimentally for carrying mail on three trips along its Osak-Seoul-Dairen route.
The top photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe, and the bottom photo was taken from the Complete Book of Fighters, by William Green and Gordon Swanborough.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Kawanishi Kokuki KK (Kawanishi Aircraft Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne fighter.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 500-630 hp BMW VI twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: tw0 fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) macine-guns.
Dimensions: Span 10.8 m (35 ft 5 1/4 in); length 7.88 m (25 ft 10 1/4 in) height 3.28 m (10 ft 9 in); wing area 33.8 sq m (363.832 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 1,170 kg (2,579 lb); loaded 1,750 kg (3,858 lb); wing loading 51.8 kg/sq m (10.6 lb/sq ft); power loading 3.8 kg/hp (8.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 140 kt (161 mph); landing speed 44 kt (51 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 5 m in 30 sec; service ceiling 9,000 m (29,527 ft); endurance 3 1/2 hr.
Production: Only 2 K-11 prototypes were built between 1927-1928 by Kawanishi Kokuki KK
Regards
Bob
Kawanishi K-11 Experimental Carrier Fighter
In April 1926, Aichi, Mitsubishi and Nakajima, received orders from the Navy for a carrier-based fighter to replace the ageing Mitsubishi Type 10 Carrier Fighter. Kawanishi, in seeking Navy recognition for such contracts, proceeded with its own design as a private venture.
This private-venture design, designated K-11 by Kawanishi, was designed by Eiji Sekiguchi, and was a staggered equi-span single-bay biplane with a light metal structured fuselage covered with fabric and wooden wings - the upper having fabric skinning and the lower plywood skinning - the K-11 was powered by a 500 hp BMW VI water-cooled engine. It carried an armament of two fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. was jettisonable.
Eiji Sekiguchi used the Gottingen 420 aerofoil on the upper wing and 416 aerofoil on the bottom and neither wing had any dihedral. Manually-operated retractable radiators were incorporated on each side of the fuselage aft of the lower wing for cooling the BMW engine. Promiment features were the unusually high fin and rudder, and long-span ailerons on the upper wing only, these also serving as landing flaps. The newly available Oleo shock struts were used in combination with bungee cords within the fixed undercarriage legs. The undercarriage could be jettisoned before alighting onto water.
Completed in July 1927, the first of two K-11 prototypes was tested at Kagamigahara along with the three other fighters built at the Navy's request. The Kawanishi aircraft showed such promise that a second example was built in 1928. This second prototype differed notably from the first by having changes made to the fuselage structure and the tailplane. However, these aircraft and the two other entries failed to win Naval approval and the Nakajima-entered Gloster Gambit was declared the winner, entering service as the Nakajima Type 3 Carrier Fighter.
Following the competition, the two K-11s were put into service with Kawanishi's Nippon Koku KK and used experimentally for carrying mail on three trips along its Osak-Seoul-Dairen route.
The top photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe, and the bottom photo was taken from the Complete Book of Fighters, by William Green and Gordon Swanborough.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Kawanishi Kokuki KK (Kawanishi Aircraft Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne fighter.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 500-630 hp BMW VI twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: tw0 fixed forward-firing 7.7 mm (0.303 in) macine-guns.
Dimensions: Span 10.8 m (35 ft 5 1/4 in); length 7.88 m (25 ft 10 1/4 in) height 3.28 m (10 ft 9 in); wing area 33.8 sq m (363.832 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 1,170 kg (2,579 lb); loaded 1,750 kg (3,858 lb); wing loading 51.8 kg/sq m (10.6 lb/sq ft); power loading 3.8 kg/hp (8.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 140 kt (161 mph); landing speed 44 kt (51 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 5 m in 30 sec; service ceiling 9,000 m (29,527 ft); endurance 3 1/2 hr.
Production: Only 2 K-11 prototypes were built between 1927-1928 by Kawanishi Kokuki KK
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
-
- The first prototype K-11 was completed in July 1927 to meet a shipboard fighter requirement.
- Kawanishi K-11 (2).jpg (58.15 KiB) Viewed 4432 times
-
- Kawanishi Ki-11 Experimenta Carrier Fighter.
- Kawanishi K-11 (1).jpg (71.11 KiB) Viewed 4440 times
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Mitsubishi 1MF9 Taka-type Experimental Carrier Fighter.
In April 1926, the Navy called upon Mitsubishi, Nakajima and Aichi to develop a new carrier fighter to replace the Type 10 Carrier Fighter. Mitsubishi's entry for this competition was the Taka (Falcon)-Type Fighter. The Taka-Type was designed by a team headed by Joji Hattori, and was a equi-span biplane of wooden construction covered by fabric, and featured a vee-shaped fuselage planing bottom. It was powered by a 600 hp Mitsubishi-Type Hi water-cooled engine and carried an armament of two two fixed forward-firng 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns, with provision for two 30 kg (66 lb) bombs.
The first two prototypes were delivered to the Navy in July and September 1927 respectively. These aircraft embodied Navy requirements in having a watertight fuselage with boat-shaped bottom and a watertight lower wing leading edge to enable them to remain afloat in the event of alighting onto water. A jettisonable undercarriage and a fuel dumping system were also incorporated. The first prototype was the first aircraft of Japanese design to feature wing flaps to help reduce landing speed, these being discarded on the second prototype.
Evaluation by the Navy of the three contenders proved that the light-weight Nakajima-G (Gloster Gambit) best met the Navy's needs. The Mitsubishi entry and the Heinkel-designed Achi HD 23 failed in this competition and it was resented that the winner had failed to comply with the provisions for an emergency descent onto water. The Mitsubishi Taka-Type remains the significant, however, in that it was the first carrier fighter designed by a Japanese, and it is further noteworthy in that it was the first Japanese fighter to be equipped with split-flaps.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Nainenki Seizo KK (Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturing Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne fighter.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 45--600 hp Mitsubishi TypeHi (Hispano-Suiza) twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade metal propeller.
Armament: Two fixed forward-firng 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. provision for two 30 kg (66 lb) bombs.
Dimensions: Span 10.80 m (35 ft 5 1/4 in) length 8.443 m (27 ft 8 1/2 in) height 3.403 m (11 ft 2 in), wing area 41.50 sq m |(446.716 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 1,200 kg (2,645 lb); loaded 1,855 kg (4,090 lb); wing loading 44.69 kg/sq m (9.15 lb/sq ft); power loading 3.8 kg/hp (8.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 132 kt (152 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 6 min 10 sec; service ceiling 7,000 m (22,965 ft).
Production: 2 prototypes built in july and September 1927 by Mitsubishi Naienki Seizo KK.
Regards
Bob
Mitsubishi 1MF9 Taka-type Experimental Carrier Fighter.
In April 1926, the Navy called upon Mitsubishi, Nakajima and Aichi to develop a new carrier fighter to replace the Type 10 Carrier Fighter. Mitsubishi's entry for this competition was the Taka (Falcon)-Type Fighter. The Taka-Type was designed by a team headed by Joji Hattori, and was a equi-span biplane of wooden construction covered by fabric, and featured a vee-shaped fuselage planing bottom. It was powered by a 600 hp Mitsubishi-Type Hi water-cooled engine and carried an armament of two two fixed forward-firng 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns, with provision for two 30 kg (66 lb) bombs.
The first two prototypes were delivered to the Navy in July and September 1927 respectively. These aircraft embodied Navy requirements in having a watertight fuselage with boat-shaped bottom and a watertight lower wing leading edge to enable them to remain afloat in the event of alighting onto water. A jettisonable undercarriage and a fuel dumping system were also incorporated. The first prototype was the first aircraft of Japanese design to feature wing flaps to help reduce landing speed, these being discarded on the second prototype.
Evaluation by the Navy of the three contenders proved that the light-weight Nakajima-G (Gloster Gambit) best met the Navy's needs. The Mitsubishi entry and the Heinkel-designed Achi HD 23 failed in this competition and it was resented that the winner had failed to comply with the provisions for an emergency descent onto water. The Mitsubishi Taka-Type remains the significant, however, in that it was the first carrier fighter designed by a Japanese, and it is further noteworthy in that it was the first Japanese fighter to be equipped with split-flaps.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Nainenki Seizo KK (Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturing Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne fighter.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 45--600 hp Mitsubishi TypeHi (Hispano-Suiza) twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade metal propeller.
Armament: Two fixed forward-firng 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns. provision for two 30 kg (66 lb) bombs.
Dimensions: Span 10.80 m (35 ft 5 1/4 in) length 8.443 m (27 ft 8 1/2 in) height 3.403 m (11 ft 2 in), wing area 41.50 sq m |(446.716 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 1,200 kg (2,645 lb); loaded 1,855 kg (4,090 lb); wing loading 44.69 kg/sq m (9.15 lb/sq ft); power loading 3.8 kg/hp (8.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 132 kt (152 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 6 min 10 sec; service ceiling 7,000 m (22,965 ft).
Production: 2 prototypes built in july and September 1927 by Mitsubishi Naienki Seizo KK.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
-
- Mitsubishi Taka-type Experimental Carrier Fighter.
- Mitsubishi 1MF9 Taka-type.jpg (65.63 KiB) Viewed 4430 times
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Mitsubishi R-2 Type-R Experimental Flying-boat
As already mentioned, Rohrbach in Germany was one of the pioneers of all-metal aircraft design and construction, and because of the Japanese Navy's interest as applicable to large flying-boats, Mitsubishi was asked to study the methods for future use. To do so, Mitsubishi sent engineer Keisuke Ohtsuka to Germany in December 1921, followed by engineer Joji Hattori the following July. Together, the two companies established Mitsubishi-Rohrbach GmbH, in Berlin in June 1925*. Mitsubishi also acquired the services of Rohrbach's Paul Ludwig as manufactureng supervisor.
By this time, the Navy had imported one example of a Rohrbach flying-boat, and it was assembled by the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal as the R-1. Following this, Mitsubishi imported yet another example from Rohrbach in a semi-finished condition and completed its assembly in 1927 as the R-2, and the Hiro Naval Arsenal modified and assembled a third and last example as the R-3. These aircraft became known as the Experimental Type-R Flying-boats, the R standing for Rohrbach. Some of the internal components for these aircraft were manufactured in Japan, as were the two 450 hp Mitusbishi Type Hi engines.
The outstanding feature of this type of flying-boat was its high aspect ratio thick-section wing which had marked dihedral and, for its time , a high wing loading. The two-step hull was of almost square cross section.
Although the structure was very advanced for its time, the design was not fully accepted by the Navy because of poor performance during take-off and alighting. It was unable to cope with waves of any size.
This problem arose through ignoring a known fundamental, that of avoiding a combination of high wing-loading and high power loading.
However, the aircraft provided exceptional experience in the manufacture of all-metal aircraft, especially with the Wagner diagonal tension-field structure, or stressed skin construction. These features were studied closely and developed further at the Hiro Naval Arsenal; contributed to the immediate success for Mitsubshi designs of two 9-Shi aircraft, the Type 96 Atack Aircraft (Nell) and the Type 96 Carrier Fighter (Claude), and spread throughout the Japanese aeronautical industry.
* At that time, the manufacture of aircraft parts was allowed in Germany. Thus parts were made in Berlin but assembled in Copenhagen in a new factory built with the assistance of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The photo was taken from Japanses Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Techical Data
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Nainenki Seizo KK (Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturing Co Ltd).
Type: Twin-engined flying-boat.
Crew (5-6):
Powerplant: Two 450-600 hp Mitasubishi Type Hi (Hispano-Suiza) twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: two or three flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns in open bow and dorsal cockpits.
Dimensions: Span 28.586 m (93 ft 9 1/2 in); length 17.425 m (57 ft 2 in); height 5 m (16 ft 5 in); wing area 74.20 sq m (798.708 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 4,068 kg (8,968 lb); loaded 5,940 kg (13,095 lb); wing loading 80 kg/sq m (16.3 lb/sq ft); power loading 6.6 kg/hp (14.5 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 86.5 kt (99 mph); climb to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) in 20 min; service ceiling 2,200 m (7,217 ft).
Production: Only 1 prototype was built in 1927 by Mitsubshi Nainenki Siezo.
Regards
Bob
Mitsubishi R-2 Type-R Experimental Flying-boat
As already mentioned, Rohrbach in Germany was one of the pioneers of all-metal aircraft design and construction, and because of the Japanese Navy's interest as applicable to large flying-boats, Mitsubishi was asked to study the methods for future use. To do so, Mitsubishi sent engineer Keisuke Ohtsuka to Germany in December 1921, followed by engineer Joji Hattori the following July. Together, the two companies established Mitsubishi-Rohrbach GmbH, in Berlin in June 1925*. Mitsubishi also acquired the services of Rohrbach's Paul Ludwig as manufactureng supervisor.
By this time, the Navy had imported one example of a Rohrbach flying-boat, and it was assembled by the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal as the R-1. Following this, Mitsubishi imported yet another example from Rohrbach in a semi-finished condition and completed its assembly in 1927 as the R-2, and the Hiro Naval Arsenal modified and assembled a third and last example as the R-3. These aircraft became known as the Experimental Type-R Flying-boats, the R standing for Rohrbach. Some of the internal components for these aircraft were manufactured in Japan, as were the two 450 hp Mitusbishi Type Hi engines.
The outstanding feature of this type of flying-boat was its high aspect ratio thick-section wing which had marked dihedral and, for its time , a high wing loading. The two-step hull was of almost square cross section.
Although the structure was very advanced for its time, the design was not fully accepted by the Navy because of poor performance during take-off and alighting. It was unable to cope with waves of any size.
This problem arose through ignoring a known fundamental, that of avoiding a combination of high wing-loading and high power loading.
However, the aircraft provided exceptional experience in the manufacture of all-metal aircraft, especially with the Wagner diagonal tension-field structure, or stressed skin construction. These features were studied closely and developed further at the Hiro Naval Arsenal; contributed to the immediate success for Mitsubshi designs of two 9-Shi aircraft, the Type 96 Atack Aircraft (Nell) and the Type 96 Carrier Fighter (Claude), and spread throughout the Japanese aeronautical industry.
* At that time, the manufacture of aircraft parts was allowed in Germany. Thus parts were made in Berlin but assembled in Copenhagen in a new factory built with the assistance of the Imperial Japanese Navy.
The photo was taken from Japanses Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Techical Data
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Nainenki Seizo KK (Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturing Co Ltd).
Type: Twin-engined flying-boat.
Crew (5-6):
Powerplant: Two 450-600 hp Mitasubishi Type Hi (Hispano-Suiza) twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving two-blade wooden propeller.
Armament: two or three flexible 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-guns in open bow and dorsal cockpits.
Dimensions: Span 28.586 m (93 ft 9 1/2 in); length 17.425 m (57 ft 2 in); height 5 m (16 ft 5 in); wing area 74.20 sq m (798.708 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 4,068 kg (8,968 lb); loaded 5,940 kg (13,095 lb); wing loading 80 kg/sq m (16.3 lb/sq ft); power loading 6.6 kg/hp (14.5 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 86.5 kt (99 mph); climb to 1,000 m (3,280 ft) in 20 min; service ceiling 2,200 m (7,217 ft).
Production: Only 1 prototype was built in 1927 by Mitsubshi Nainenki Siezo.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
-
- Mitsubishi Experimental Type-R Flying-boat.
- Mitsubishi-Rohrbach R-2.jpg (86.31 KiB) Viewed 4426 times
Last edited by Robert Hurst on 03 Nov 2003, 15:34, edited 1 time in total.
-
Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Mitsubishi 2MR5 Experimental Special-purpose Carrier Reconnaissance Aircraft
Many innovations in construction techniques were incorporated into this new project. It was not a further development of the Type 10 Carrier Reconnaisance Aircraft designed by Herbert Smith, but a totally original design created by Dr Alexander Baumann, assisted by the engineers Nobushiro Nakata and Takao Tokunaga.
Incorporated into the biplane's lower wing, which was all duralumin, was a hollow tubular-spar known by its German term oval Rohre. This provided a watertight section witihin the lower wing to give buoyancy in the event of an emergency alighting on water. Landing flaps were of the slotted-type, a relatively new innovation in aerodynamic engineering. Also of interest were slotted ailerons that also functioned as flaps.
Little else is kown about this small biplane except that it was designed for light-weight construction, a goal that was more than adequately achieved. It seemed to fail acceptance, however, because it was heavy on the controls and generally ineffective fore its intended mission. As a result, only two examples were built.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Nainenki Seizo KK (Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturing Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne reconnaissance aircraft.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 300 hp Mitsubishi Type Hi (Hispano-Suiza) eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Dimensions: Span 10.20 m (33 ft 5 1/2 in); length 7.15 m (23 ft 5 1/2 in); height 3.129 m (10 ft 3 in).
Weights: Empty 900 kg (1,984 lb); loaded 1,400 kg (3,086 lb); power loading 6.7 kg/hp (14.7 lb/hp).
Performance: maximum speed 104.2 kt (120 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 14 min 30 sec; endurance 5 hr.
Production: A total of 2 2MR5 prottoypes were built by Mitsubishi Nainenki Seozo KK in 1927.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Regards
Bob
Mitsubishi 2MR5 Experimental Special-purpose Carrier Reconnaissance Aircraft
Many innovations in construction techniques were incorporated into this new project. It was not a further development of the Type 10 Carrier Reconnaisance Aircraft designed by Herbert Smith, but a totally original design created by Dr Alexander Baumann, assisted by the engineers Nobushiro Nakata and Takao Tokunaga.
Incorporated into the biplane's lower wing, which was all duralumin, was a hollow tubular-spar known by its German term oval Rohre. This provided a watertight section witihin the lower wing to give buoyancy in the event of an emergency alighting on water. Landing flaps were of the slotted-type, a relatively new innovation in aerodynamic engineering. Also of interest were slotted ailerons that also functioned as flaps.
Little else is kown about this small biplane except that it was designed for light-weight construction, a goal that was more than adequately achieved. It seemed to fail acceptance, however, because it was heavy on the controls and generally ineffective fore its intended mission. As a result, only two examples were built.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Mitsubishi Nainenki Seizo KK (Mitsubishi Internal Combustion Engine Manufacturing Co Ltd).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne reconnaissance aircraft.
Crew (2): Pilot and observer/gunner in open cockpits.
Powerplant: One 300 hp Mitsubishi Type Hi (Hispano-Suiza) eight-cylinder vee water-cooled engine, driving a two-blade wooden propeller.
Dimensions: Span 10.20 m (33 ft 5 1/2 in); length 7.15 m (23 ft 5 1/2 in); height 3.129 m (10 ft 3 in).
Weights: Empty 900 kg (1,984 lb); loaded 1,400 kg (3,086 lb); power loading 6.7 kg/hp (14.7 lb/hp).
Performance: maximum speed 104.2 kt (120 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 14 min 30 sec; endurance 5 hr.
Production: A total of 2 2MR5 prottoypes were built by Mitsubishi Nainenki Seozo KK in 1927.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Regards
Bob
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- Mitsubishi Experimental Special-purpose Carrier Reconnaissance Aircraft.
- Mitsubishi 2MR5.jpg (64.25 KiB) Viewed 4425 times
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Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Yokosuka Navy 1-go Experimental Submarine-borne Reconnaissance Seaplane.
The Japanese Navy had a strong interest in the use of submarine-borne reconnaissance seaplanes, and one of several designs for this type was begun at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal in 1925, based on a Heinkel U 1 submarine-borne seaplane designed by Carl Caspar, former owner of the Hanseatischen Flugzweugwerke in Germany. One of these aircraft, better known as the Caspar U 1, had been imported in 1923 and the Yokosho design was a near duplicate in layout and dimensions.
This Yokosho design was a cantilever biplane having one-piece upper and lower wings without interplane struts. The structure was of metal and wood, with light metal fuselage skinning and the wings were fabric covered. The twin-floats and wings were detachable from the fuselage and these components cpuld be stowed in a tubelike hangar 7.4 m (24.7 ft) long and 1.7 m (5.5 ft) in diameter. The aircraft could be assembled in 4 min by 5 mechanics and became airborne in a total of 15 to 16 min. Dismantling was accomplished in 2 min by five mechanics.
Completed in 1927, this was the smallest aircraft in Japan. Although small, it was a rugged aircraft of good design with light-weight metal skinning. During 1927-28 it was tested aboard the submarine I-21 which was equipped with a hangar for this purpose, but the aircraft was n ot developed further. The experience gained with this project was useful in the later development of the Yokosh 2-go Reconnaissance Seaplane. Similar research at this time was being conducted in the United States and Great Britain, but none of the projects were developed to an operational level.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho (Yokosuka Naval Arsenal).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 80 hp Gasuden-built Le Rhone nine-cylinder rotary engine, driving a four-blade wooden propeller.
Dimensions: Span 7.20 m (23 ft 7 1/2 in); length 6.205 m (20 ft 4 1/4 in); height 2.39 m (7 ft 10 in); wing area 15.2 sq m (163.616 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 400 kg (881 lb); loaded 520 kg (1,146 lb); wing loading 34.2 kg/sq m (7 lb/sq ft); power loading 6.5 kg/hp (14.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 83 kt (95.57 mph); endurance 2 hr.
Production: A total of 1 1-go prototype was built by Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho in 1927.
Regards
Bob
Yokosuka Navy 1-go Experimental Submarine-borne Reconnaissance Seaplane.
The Japanese Navy had a strong interest in the use of submarine-borne reconnaissance seaplanes, and one of several designs for this type was begun at the Yokosuka Naval Arsenal in 1925, based on a Heinkel U 1 submarine-borne seaplane designed by Carl Caspar, former owner of the Hanseatischen Flugzweugwerke in Germany. One of these aircraft, better known as the Caspar U 1, had been imported in 1923 and the Yokosho design was a near duplicate in layout and dimensions.
This Yokosho design was a cantilever biplane having one-piece upper and lower wings without interplane struts. The structure was of metal and wood, with light metal fuselage skinning and the wings were fabric covered. The twin-floats and wings were detachable from the fuselage and these components cpuld be stowed in a tubelike hangar 7.4 m (24.7 ft) long and 1.7 m (5.5 ft) in diameter. The aircraft could be assembled in 4 min by 5 mechanics and became airborne in a total of 15 to 16 min. Dismantling was accomplished in 2 min by five mechanics.
Completed in 1927, this was the smallest aircraft in Japan. Although small, it was a rugged aircraft of good design with light-weight metal skinning. During 1927-28 it was tested aboard the submarine I-21 which was equipped with a hangar for this purpose, but the aircraft was n ot developed further. The experience gained with this project was useful in the later development of the Yokosh 2-go Reconnaissance Seaplane. Similar research at this time was being conducted in the United States and Great Britain, but none of the projects were developed to an operational level.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho (Yokosuka Naval Arsenal).
Type: Single-engined carrier-borne reconnaissance seaplane.
Crew (1): Pilot in open cockpit.
Powerplant: One 80 hp Gasuden-built Le Rhone nine-cylinder rotary engine, driving a four-blade wooden propeller.
Dimensions: Span 7.20 m (23 ft 7 1/2 in); length 6.205 m (20 ft 4 1/4 in); height 2.39 m (7 ft 10 in); wing area 15.2 sq m (163.616 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 400 kg (881 lb); loaded 520 kg (1,146 lb); wing loading 34.2 kg/sq m (7 lb/sq ft); power loading 6.5 kg/hp (14.3 lb/hp).
Performance: Maximum speed 83 kt (95.57 mph); endurance 2 hr.
Production: A total of 1 1-go prototype was built by Yokosuka Kaigun Ko-sho in 1927.
Regards
Bob
- Attachments
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- Yokosho Navy 1-go Submarine-borne Reconnaissance Seaplane.
- Yokosho I-go.jpg (55.71 KiB) Viewed 4398 times
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Robert Hurst
- Member
- Posts: 1192
- Joined: 04 Oct 2002, 16:11
- Location: Worksop, Notts, UK
Hi
Giyu No.3 Experimental Flying-Boat
After the fatal crash of the KB Flying-boat The Kaibo Gikai (Maritime Defence Volunteer Association) decided in September 1926 to construct another large flying-boat of entirely new design. A committee was established to study metal flying-boat design, with the co-operation of the Navy and civilian engineers, led by Dr Sc Aikichi Tanakadate together with Narihisa Yokota who was to be chief engineer, Shuhei Iwamoto, Yoshitake Ueda, Haruhiko Uemura, Lieut (Ordnance) Yoshio Hashiguchi as engineering supervisor, Katsuharu Kondo and Keikichi Satake.
Using as reference the previously Army Arsenal-built KB Flying boat, the Dornier Wal flying-boat imported by Kawasaki, and the Rohrbach flying-boat, the new aircraft was to incorporate the committee's more advanced concepts and, powered by two 500 hp Kawasaki-built BMW VI engines, it was to be the largest Japanese-made aircraft at the time. It was given the designation Giyu No.3 Flying-boat.
Construction was undertaken at the Aeroplane factory at Kawasaki Dockyard in Kobe. Design began in April 1927 and tooling started the following October. Detail design was finished in August 1928, and the aircraft was completed three months later. After centre of gravity checks were made while the flying-boat was suspended under a Kawasaki dockyard crane, it was test flown over a period of a month from the harbour at Kobe and then delivered to the Navy at Yokosuka for six months' further testing.
The aircraft was given good marks in general performance but had shortcomings in roughish water. Initially, wooden propellers were fitted but were later replaced with metal propellers manufactured by Kawanishi Aircraft as originally planned. These improved performance but, following an accident to a Navy fighter caused by its metal propeller, the Navy reverted to wooden propellers. Vibration developed around the engine nacelle causing other related problems and greatly hampered the further test flying.
As a result, in May 1931, the aircraft was dismantled at Hiro Arsenal and the components were used for research and testing of materials, the Hiro Arsenal conducted vibration tests by installing wooden and metal propellers for ground testing and low altitude flying.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Kawasaki Kokuki KK (Kawasaki Aircraft Co Ltd).
Type: Twin-engined Experimental flying-boat.
Crew(5-10): Pilots in open cockpit.
Powerplant: Two 500-750 hp Kawasaki-built BMW VI twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engines, mounted in tandem and driving a two-blade fixed-pitch wooden or metal propeller.
Armament: One flexible nose-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, one flexible dorsal-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, and one flexible ventral-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun. Bomb-load: two 250 kg (551 lb) bombs.
Dimensions: Span 29.50 m (96 ft 9 1/2 in); length 19.972 m (65 ft 6 1/4 in); height 5.272 m (17 ft 3 1/2 in); wing area 141 sq m (1,517.761 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 5,400 kg (11,904 lb); loaded 8,600 kg (18,959 lb); wing loading 60.99 kg/sq m (12.5 lb/sq ft); power loading 5.73 kg/hp (18.9 lb?hp).
Performance: maximum speed 108 kt (125 mph) at sea level; minimum speed 50 kt (58 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 20 min 25 sec; service ceiling 4,500 m (14,763 ft); range 1,620 nm (1,864 miles); endurance 20 hr.
Production: Only a single Giyu No.3 prototype was built by kawasaki Kokuki KK in November 1928.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Regards
Bob
Giyu No.3 Experimental Flying-Boat
After the fatal crash of the KB Flying-boat The Kaibo Gikai (Maritime Defence Volunteer Association) decided in September 1926 to construct another large flying-boat of entirely new design. A committee was established to study metal flying-boat design, with the co-operation of the Navy and civilian engineers, led by Dr Sc Aikichi Tanakadate together with Narihisa Yokota who was to be chief engineer, Shuhei Iwamoto, Yoshitake Ueda, Haruhiko Uemura, Lieut (Ordnance) Yoshio Hashiguchi as engineering supervisor, Katsuharu Kondo and Keikichi Satake.
Using as reference the previously Army Arsenal-built KB Flying boat, the Dornier Wal flying-boat imported by Kawasaki, and the Rohrbach flying-boat, the new aircraft was to incorporate the committee's more advanced concepts and, powered by two 500 hp Kawasaki-built BMW VI engines, it was to be the largest Japanese-made aircraft at the time. It was given the designation Giyu No.3 Flying-boat.
Construction was undertaken at the Aeroplane factory at Kawasaki Dockyard in Kobe. Design began in April 1927 and tooling started the following October. Detail design was finished in August 1928, and the aircraft was completed three months later. After centre of gravity checks were made while the flying-boat was suspended under a Kawasaki dockyard crane, it was test flown over a period of a month from the harbour at Kobe and then delivered to the Navy at Yokosuka for six months' further testing.
The aircraft was given good marks in general performance but had shortcomings in roughish water. Initially, wooden propellers were fitted but were later replaced with metal propellers manufactured by Kawanishi Aircraft as originally planned. These improved performance but, following an accident to a Navy fighter caused by its metal propeller, the Navy reverted to wooden propellers. Vibration developed around the engine nacelle causing other related problems and greatly hampered the further test flying.
As a result, in May 1931, the aircraft was dismantled at Hiro Arsenal and the components were used for research and testing of materials, the Hiro Arsenal conducted vibration tests by installing wooden and metal propellers for ground testing and low altitude flying.
Technical Data
Manufacturer: Kawasaki Kokuki KK (Kawasaki Aircraft Co Ltd).
Type: Twin-engined Experimental flying-boat.
Crew(5-10): Pilots in open cockpit.
Powerplant: Two 500-750 hp Kawasaki-built BMW VI twelve-cylinder vee water-cooled engines, mounted in tandem and driving a two-blade fixed-pitch wooden or metal propeller.
Armament: One flexible nose-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, one flexible dorsal-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun, and one flexible ventral-mounted 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine-gun. Bomb-load: two 250 kg (551 lb) bombs.
Dimensions: Span 29.50 m (96 ft 9 1/2 in); length 19.972 m (65 ft 6 1/4 in); height 5.272 m (17 ft 3 1/2 in); wing area 141 sq m (1,517.761 sq ft).
Weights: Empty 5,400 kg (11,904 lb); loaded 8,600 kg (18,959 lb); wing loading 60.99 kg/sq m (12.5 lb/sq ft); power loading 5.73 kg/hp (18.9 lb?hp).
Performance: maximum speed 108 kt (125 mph) at sea level; minimum speed 50 kt (58 mph); climb to 3,000 m (9,843 ft) in 20 min 25 sec; service ceiling 4,500 m (14,763 ft); range 1,620 nm (1,864 miles); endurance 20 hr.
Production: Only a single Giyu No.3 prototype was built by kawasaki Kokuki KK in November 1928.
The photo was taken from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941, by Robert C Mikesh and Shorzoe Abe.
Regards
Bob
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- Kawasaki Giyu No.3 Experimental Flying-boat.
- Giyu No.3.jpg (63.14 KiB) Viewed 4407 times