Kawasaki Ki-32
| Ki-32 | |
|---|---|
| |
| Ki-32 Mary (Army Type 98 Light Bomber) | |
| Role | Light bomber |
| National origin | Japan |
| Manufacturer | Kawasaki Kōkūki Kōgyō K.K. |
| First flight | March 1937 |
| Introduction | 1938 |
| Retired | 1945 |
| Status | Retired |
| Primary users | Imperial Japanese Army Air Force
Manchukuo Imperial Air Force |
| Number built | 854 |
The Kawasaki Ki-32 (九八式軽爆撃機, Kyuhachi-shiki keibakugekiki, lit. ''Type 98 light bomber'') was a
Design and development
The Ki-32 was developed in response to a May 1936
The first Kawasaki prototype flew in March 1937;
Problems were encountered with the Kawasaki design, particularly with engine cooling, and the Mitsubishi Ki-30 received the production order. In spite of this, the pressing need for more aircraft in the Second Sino-Japanese War, which had started at full scale in July 1937, resulted in the Ki-32's entry into production as well, 12 months behind its rival. Ironically, the number of Ki-32s built was much higher than that of the successful Ki-30.
The Ki-32 entered production in 1938, designated as the Army Type 98 Single-engine Light Bomber. Kawasaki manufactured 854 Ki-32s before production ceased in May 1940.[3]
Operational history
The Ki-32 saw extensive war service in the
During
Operators
- Imperial Japanese Army Air Force[3]
- No. 3 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- No. 6 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- No. 10 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- No. 35 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- No. 45 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- No. 65 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- No. 75 Hikō Sentai IJAAF
- Manchukuo Air Force[5]
- In 1945, Indonesian People's Security Force (IPSF) (Indonesian pro-independence guerrillas) captured a small number of aircraft at numerous Japanese air bases, including Bugis Air Base in Republic of Indonesia during the Indonesian National Revolutionof 1945–1949.
Specifications
Data from The Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II;[6] Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War[3]
General characteristics
- Crew: 2
- Length: 11.65 m (38 ft 2.5 in)
- Wingspan: 15.0 m (49 ft 2½ in)
- Height: 2.90m (9 ft 6 in)
- Wing area: 34.00 m2 (365.98 ft2)
- Empty weight: 1,066 kg (2,350 lb)
- Max takeoff weight: 3,760 kg (8,290 lb)
- Powerplant: 1× Kawasaki Ha-9-IIb liquid-cooled inline V12 engine, 634 kW (850 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 423 km/h (228 knots, 263 mph) at (3,940 m) 12,900 ft
- Cruise speed: 300 km/h (162 knots, 186 mph)
- Range: 1,965 km (1,060 nm, 1,220 mi)
- Service ceiling: 8,920 m (29,265 ft)
- Rate of climb: 7.6 m/s (1500 ft/min)
- Wing loading: 104.1 kg/m2 (21.3 lb/ft2)
Armament
- Guns: 2× 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns
- Bombs: 450 kg (990 lb)
See also
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References
- Notes
- ^ Lawrence 1945, p. 190.
- ^ Francillon 1979, p. 90.
- ^ a b c d Francillon 1979, p. 92.
- ^ Francillon 1979, pp. 91–92.
- ^ a b Jowett 2005, p. ?.
- ^ Mondey 2002, p. ?.
Bibliography
- Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam. ISBN 0-85177-801-1.)
- Gunston, Bill (1999). The Illustrated Directory of Fighting Aircraft of World War II. London: Zenith Press. ISBN 0-86101-390-5.
- Jowett, Philipp (2005). Rays of the Rising Sun, Volume 1: Japan's Asian Allies 1931-45, China and Manchukuo. London: Helion and Company Ltd. ISBN 1-874622-21-3.
- Lake, Jon (2002). Great Book of Bombers. Zenith Press. ISBN 0-7603-1347-4.
- Lawrence, Joseph (1945). The Observer's Book Of Airplanes. London and New York: Frederick Warne & Co.
- Mikesh, Robert C.; Shorzoe Abe (1990). Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-563-2.
- Mondey, David (2002). The Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II. Book Sales Press. ISBN 1-85152-966-7.
External links
