Kawasaki KH-4
Kawasaki · Japan · first flew 1962 · helicopter
The Kawasaki KH-4 was a light utility helicopter produced in Japan in the 1960s as a development of the Bell 47.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.93 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Single main rotor with a tail rotor, developed from the Bell 47
- New enlarged, fully enclosed cabin
- Bench seat for three passengers behind the pilot
The most visible difference from the Bell 47 is the new and enlarged cabin, fully enclosed although the side doors were removable.
Specifications
- The Kawasaki KH-4 has a length of 9.93 m (33 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.32 m (37 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 169 km/h (105 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Kawasaki had been building the Bell 47 under licence since 1952, and the KH-4 first flew in August 1962 with a new control system, revised instrumentation and a larger fuel tank.
Variants
A total of 211 KH-4s were built, including four modified from existing Bell 47Gs.
Where you'll see it
The vast majority were bought by civil operators, although some were purchased by the military forces of Japan and Thailand.
Related aircraft
- Kawasaki P-2J
- Kawasaki C-1
- Kawasaki Ki-100
- Kawasaki Ki-64
- Bell YOH-4
- Boeing CH-46A Sea Knight
- Boeing Vertol HH-46A Sea Knight
- Dornier Do 32
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