Kawasaki KAT-1
Kawasaki Heavy Industries · Japan · first flew 1954 · light aircraft
The Kawasaki KAT-1 was a Japanese tandem two-seat primary trainer designed in the mid-1950s. It first flew on 11 February 1954.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Low-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 8.5 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Cantilever low-wing monoplane with blunt-tipped trapezoidal wings
- Student and instructor in tandem under continuous glazing with individual sliding sections
- Single Lycoming GO-435 flat-six engine in the nose and a long dorsal fillet on the fin
It is slimmer than the KAL-2, with a long dorsal fillet running forward to the rear of the cockpit glazing.
Specifications
- The Kawasaki KAT-1 has a length of 8.5 m (28 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.5 m (38 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 303 km/h (188 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
It was designed to compete for a Japanese Air Defense Force contract against the Fuji-built Beech Model 45 Mentor. It shared much of its layout and components with the KAL-2, with a narrower fuselage and tandem seating.
Variants
Two prototypes were completed.
Where you'll see it
The Beech Mentor was chosen instead, so the KAT-1 was not produced. The first prototype served with the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force and is preserved at the Kakamigahara Aerospace Museum.
Related aircraft
- Kawasaki KAL-2
- Kawasaki Ki-102
- Kawasaki Ki-56
- Kawasaki Ki-10
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- Auster AOP.9
- Dornier Do 25
- Morane-Saulnier MS 760 Paris
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