Kayaba Ka-1
Kayaba · Japan · first flew 1941 · helicopter
The Kayaba Ka-1 was a Japanese autogyro developed during World War II primarily for artillery observation and naval patrol duties. It was one of the few rotary-wing aircraft to see operational use with Imperial Japanese forces.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, rotary |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, fuselage-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.2 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Japanese wartime autogyro
- Single open-cockpit rotorcraft
- Used for naval artillery spotting
A tandem two-seat autogyro with a large three-blade unpowered rotor above the fuselage and a conventional tractor propeller at the nose; no fixed wings.
Specifications
- The Kayaba Ka-1 has a length of 9.2 m (30 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 12 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 165 km/h (103 mph).
- Typical crew: 2.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Developed from a licence of the Kellett KD-1A autogyro, the Ka-1 first flew in 1941 and entered service with the Imperial Japanese Army. It was used aboard ships for anti-submarine patrol and coastal artillery spotting, a novel role for a rotorcraft of the era.
Variants
The Ka-1 was produced in small numbers; a developed Ka-2 variant was also planned but saw limited production before the war's end.
Where you'll see it
Served with the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy in the Pacific theater, including shipboard deployment on escort vessels for anti-submarine observation.
Related aircraft
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