Kawasaki Army Type 92 Fighter

The Kawasaki KDA-5 was a Japanese single-seat biplane fighter designed by the German Dr. Richard Vogt for the Imperial Japanese Army.

Development
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. 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.

Operational history
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. A few were still in service in 1941 as trainers.

Variants

 * KDA-5
 * Five prototypes.


 * Type 92 Model 1 Fighter
 * Initial production variant with changed fin and rudder and faired headrest, 180 built.


 * Type 92 Model 2 Fighter
 * Improved version with structural strengthing and more powerful ( kW/750 hp) BMW VII engine, 200 built.

Operators

 * Imperial Japanese Army Air Force
 * Imperial Japanese Army Air Force