| KDA-5 (Type 92) | |
|---|---|
| Role | Single-seat biplane fighter |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki |
| Designer | Richard Vogt of Dornier |
| First flight | 1930 |
| Introduction | 1932 |
| Primary user | Imperial Japanese Army Air Force |
| Number built | 385 |
The Kawasaki KDA-5 was a Japanese single-seat biplane fighter designed by the German Dr. Richard Vogt for the Imperial Japanese Army.
The KDA-5 was designed by Richard Vogt to meet a Japanese Army requirement for a fighter biplane. Five prototypes were built by Kawasaki and first flown in 1930. Following testing, the aircraft was ordered into production in 1932 as the Army Type 92 Model 1 Fighter.[1] The aircraft had unequal-span sesquiplane wings and fixed tailwheel landing gear and was powered by a 470 kW (630 hp) BMW VI engine. After 180 aircraft were built, production continued with a structurally strengthened and more powerful Type 92 Model 2. A further 200 Model 2s were built.[1]
Both versions saw action with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in Manchukuo (Manchuria), although it proved unpopular owing to its unstable take-off and landing behaviour and being difficult to maintain, particularly in cold weather.[1] A few were still in service in 1941 as trainers.
Data from The Illustrated Encyclopedia of Aircraft[2], The Complete Book of Fighters[3]
General characteristics
Performance
Armament
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