Kawanishi K-2
Kawanishi K-2 | |
---|---|
Role | Single seat racing aircraft |
National origin | Japan |
Manufacturer | Kawanishi Aircraft
|
Designer | Eiji Sekiguchi |
First flight | Summer 1921 |
Number built | 1 |
The sole Kawanishi K-2 was the first specialized Japanese racing aircraft. The advanced, single-seat low-wing monoplane's first flight was in the late summer of 1921. It had a promisingly high maximum speed but a career limited by numerous minor accidents produced no victories or records.
Design and development
In the early 1920s the Japanese Imperial Flying Association sponsored flying exhibitions which included competitive racing. Yukichi Goto had piloted the
The K-2 was powered by a 200–244 hp (149–182 kW)
Its conventional, fixed landing gear was not faired. The main wheels were on split axles, hinged centrally on the vertex of a transverse V-strut mounted on the lower fuselage longerons. The landing legs and trailing drag struts were also mounted on the lower fuselage.[1]
Operational history
In early tests the K-2 reached a speed of 235 km/h (146 mph), suggesting a competitive racing future but a series of accidents, some involving propeller damage, prevented an attack on the national speed record. On 11 July 1921 it was unofficially timed at 257 km/h (160 mph; 139 kn).[1]
Specifications
Data from Japanese Aircraft 1910-1941[1]
General characteristics
- Crew: one
- Length: 6.57 m (21 ft 7 in)
- Wingspan: 9.67 m (31 ft 9 in)
- Height: 2.35 m (7 ft 9 in)
- Wing area: 13.2 m2 (142 sq ft)
- Airfoil: Durand 52
- Empty weight: 680 kg (1,499 lb)
- Gross weight: 860 kg (1,896 lb)
- Powerplant: 1 × straight six, 149–182 kW (200–244 hp)
- Propellers: 2-bladed wooden
Performance
- Maximum speed: 260 km/h (160 mph, 140 kn)
- Landing Speed: 105 km/h (65 mph; 57 kn)
- Service ceiling: 7,600 m (24,900 ft)
References
- ^ ISBN 1 55750 563 2.