Kawasaki Ki-64

Last updated
Ki-64
Kawasaki Ki-64 on ground.jpg
RoleFighter
Manufacturer Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K.
First flightDecember 1943
StatusCancelled 1944
Primary user Imperial Japanese Army
Number built1

The Kawasaki Ki-64 (Allied code name: Rob) was a one-off prototype of an experimental heavy, single seat, fighter. It had two unusual design features. First; it had two Kawasaki Ha-40 engines in tandem; one in the aircraft nose, the other behind the cockpit, both being connected by a drive shaft. This combination (called the Kawasaki Ha-201) drove two, three-bladed, contra-rotating propellers. [1] [2] The second feature was the use of the wing surface as a radiator for the water-cooled engines. [3] The aircraft first flew in December 1943. During the fifth flight, the rear engine caught fire; and while the aircraft made an emergency landing, it was damaged. The aircraft was subsequently abandoned in mid-1944 in favour of more promising projects. The airframe survived the war, and parts of the unique cooling system were sent to Wright Field for examination. [4]

Contents

Specifications (Ki-64)

Data fromWarplanes of the Second World War, Volume Three: Fighters; [5] WW2 Aircraft Fact Files: Japanese Army Fighters, Part 1; [4] Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War [6]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era

Related lists

Related Research Articles

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References

Citations

Bibliography

  • Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam. ISBN   0-370-30251-6. OCLC   6124909. (new edition 1987 by Putnam Aeronautical Books, ISBN   0-85177-801-1.)
  • Green, William (1961). War Planes of the Second World War, Volume Three: Fighters. Macdonald & Co. ISBN   0-356-01447-9. OCLC   655407936.
  • Green, William; Swanborough, Gordon (1976). JWW2 Aircraft Fact Files: Japanese Army Fighters, Part 1. London: Macdonald and Jane's. ISBN   0-356-08224-5. OCLC   820486093.
  • Famous Aircraft of the World, no.76: Japanese Army Experimental Fighters. Tokyo, Japan: Bunrin-Do Co. Ltd. August 1976.