Nakajima Type 91 fighter

Last updated
Nakajima Type 91 fighter
Nakajima 91sen.jpg
General information
TypeFighter
Manufacturer Nakajima Aircraft Company
Primary user Imperial Japanese Army
Number built450 [1]
History
Manufactured1931-1934
Introduction date1931
Retired1937

The Nakajima Type 91 fighter was a Japanese fighter aircraft of the 1930s. It was a single-engine, single-seat parasol monoplane with a fixed, tailskid undercarriage.

Contents

Development

Designed in response to an Imperial Japanese Army requirement of 1927, the Type 91 was developed from the NC series of fighter prototypes. The prototype was the sixth machine under that designation but was a fundamentally distinct airframe design. Compared to the earlier NC, the Type 91 had a smaller wing, relocated fuel tank and wing-bracing struts, Townend ring-type cowling, new design tail and undercarriage. [2] It first flew in 1931.

Operational history

The Army ordered the new aircraft as the Nakajima Army Type 91 fighter and the first deliveries took place late in 1931. However, issues arose with both directional stability and centre of gravity, with the result that the type was delayed entering service.

Between 1931 and 1934, 420 aircraft were constructed (including 100 by Ishikawajima; 23 of the total were Type 91-2, powered by a 432 kW (580 hp) Nakajima Kotobuki 2 radial engine. This version first flew in July 1934.

The type was supplanted in service by the Kawasaki Army Type 95 fighter in 1936–1937.

Variants

Nakajima NC
Prototype and pre-series version, powered by 336 kW (450 hp) Bristol Jupiter radial engine, having a top speed of 268 km/h and larger wing. 8 built.
Nakajima Army Type 91-1 fighter
Main production version, powered by 336 kW - 390 kW (450 hp - 520 hp) Nakajima built Bristol Jupiter radial engine.
Nakajima Army Type 91-2 fighter
Improved version, powered by Nakajima Kotobuki. 21 built.

Operators

Flag of the Republic of China.svg  China
Flag of Japan.svg  Japan
Flag of Manchukuo.svg Manchukuo

Surviving aircraft

The Tokorozawa Aviation Museum in Tokorozawa, Saitama has a fuselage on display. Also, at a gate of Yanagisawa Shrine in Yamatokōriyama in Nara Prefecture there is a propeller preserved.

Specifications (Nakajima Army Type 91-1 fighter)

Data from Japanese aircraft 1910-1941, [1] The Complete Book of Fighters [2]

General characteristics

Performance

Armament

References

  1. 1 2 Mikesh, Robert C; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941. London: Putnam Aeronautical Books. pp. 214–215. ISBN   0-85177-840-2.
  2. 1 2 Green, William (1994). The Complete Book of Fighters. Smithmark. ISBN   0-8317-3939-8.

Bibliography