Kawasaki KDA-5 (Army Type 92 Fighter)
Kawasaki · Japan · first flew 1930 · fighter
The Kawasaki KDA-5 was a Japanese single-seat biplane fighter designed by the German Dr Richard Vogt for the Imperial Japanese Army.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 7.05 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single-seat fighter with unequal-span sesquiplane wings
- Fixed tailwheel landing gear
- Powered by a BMW VI engine
The unequal-span sesquiplane wings and fixed tailwheel undercarriage identify it. It was powered by a 630 hp BMW VI engine and armed with two synchronised 7.7 mm machine guns.
Specifications
- The Kawasaki KDA-5 (Army Type 92 Fighter) has a length of 7.05 m (23 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.55 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 320 km/h (199 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Five prototypes were built by Kawasaki and first flown in 1930. After testing, the type was ordered into production in 1932 as the Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter.
Variants
The KDA-5 was the five prototypes. The Type 92 Model 1 had a changed fin and rudder and a fared headrest, with 180 built. The Model 2 was strengthened and had a more powerful BMW VII engine, with 200 built.
Where you'll see it
Both versions saw action with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in Manchukuo. It proved unpopular for its unstable take-off and landing and difficult maintenance, and a few were still used as trainers in 1941.
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- Kawasaki KDA-3
- Kawasaki KDC-2
- Kawasaki C-5
- Kawasaki Ka 87 (Army Type 87 Heavy Bomber)
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- Boeing XP-15
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