Nakajima Ki-6

The Nakajima Ki-6 (九五式二型練習機, Kyūgo-shiki nigata renshuki) was a licensed-produced version of the Fokker Super Universal transport built by Nakajima Aircraft Company in the 1930s. Initially used as an airliner, the militarized version was used by the Imperial Japanese Army in a variety of roles, ranging from medical evacuation to transport and training aircraft. It was used extensively in combat zones in Manchukuo and in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War.

Ki-6
Civil version of Ki-6 in use by Japan Air Transport
Role transport, training aircraft
Manufacturer Nakajima Aircraft Company
First flight 1930
Introduction 1931
Primary users IJA Air Force
Manchukuo Air Force
Developed from Fokker Super Universal

Design and development

The Ki-6 originated as the Model 8 Super Universal, launched by Fokker in the United States in 1927 as a further development of its successful Fokker Universal. The Super Universal was slightly larger and could carry six passengers rather than four. In addition, the aircraft was equipped with a more powerful engine and a cantilever high-wing. In total, about 200 Super Universals are thought to have been built. Due to its rugged durability, long-range flight ability and large cargo capacity, the Fokker Super Universal was extensively used in bush flying and was well regarded for its versatility. The first flight took place in March 1928. Shortly after, the type entered production at a new factory in Glendale, California. The Super Universal remained in production until January 1931.

The Super Universal caught the attention of a number of civil airlines from 1928 onwards. There was also interest from the United States military, although no order was placed. Fokker received export orders from Colombia, Argentina, South Africa and Japan and a license production agreements were made with the Canadian subsidiary of Vickers and with Nakajima Aircraft Company in Japan.

Operational history

The first Super Universal was brought to Japan in components and was assembled by Nakajima for Japan Air Transport, the national airline of the Empire of Japan from 1928 to 1938. Under license production, Nakajima replaced the engine with a 336 kW (450 hp) Bristol Jupiter radial engine, also license-built in Japan, and later by its own Nakajima Kotobuki 343 kW (460 hp) engine.

Nakajima's production began in September 1930, with the first aircraft delivered in March 1931. Production ended in October 1936, but the total number of aircraft built is unknown. Nakajima also sub-licensed additional production to its subsidiary Manshūkoku Hikōki Seizo KK in Manchukuo, which also produced an unknown number of units. The first military Super Universals were introduced into service following Japan's invasion of Manchuria in 1931 when the Imperial Japanese Army commandeered seven Super Universals from the Japan Air Transport Company.

In 1932, the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force decided to acquire its own transports, which it designated as the Army Type 95 Training Aircraft under the former aircraft naming nomenclature system, or Ki-6 under the new system. The first aircraft was delivered as a flying ambulance fitted with two stretchers and three seats.[1] This was followed by an order for 20 trainers to be used for training pilots, gunners, bombardiers and wireless operators.[2]

The Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service also ordered 20 Ki-6s, re-designating the aircraft as the Navy Fokker Land-Based Reconnaissance Aircraft or in short C2N1 when used for land-based operations and an additional 30 Navy Fokker Reconnaissance Seaplane or in short C2N2, which were fitted with a floatplane.[3] The naval version had a larger cabin and was used on reconnaissance and military transport missions.

The aircraft built in Japan were used for both civil and military roles with some remaining in operation until after World War II.

Variants
  • Nakajima Super Universal
Civilian transport
  • Ki-6 (Army Type 95 Training Aircraft)
Military transport for the IJAAF
  • C2N1 (Navy land-based reconnaissance aircraft)
Land-based recon and military transport for the IJN
  • C2N2 (Navy reconnaissance seaplane)
Land-based recon and military transport for the IJN
  • Manshū Super Universal
Civil and military transport built in Manchukuo (Manchuria)

Operators

Civilian operators

Military operators

Specifications (Ki-6)

Data from Japanese AIrcraft, 1910-1941[4]

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 6
  • Length: 11.25 m (36 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 15.44 m (50 ft 7.87 in)
  • Height: 2.79 m (9 ft 2 in)
  • Wing area: 37.37 m2 (402.26 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 1,640 kg (3,616 lb)
  • Gross weight: 2,820 kg (6,217 lb)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Nakajima Kotobuki air-cooled radial engine , 336 kW (450 hp)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 245 km/h (152 mph, 132 kn)
  • Range: 1,045 km (650 mi, 560 nmi)
  • Service ceiling: 6,000 m (19,685 ft)
gollark: That's... several hundred times the circumference of the Earth.
gollark: And flown 2570km.
gollark: And fallen 310km.
gollark: I've apparently gone 1000km or so by foot.
gollark: There's a potatOS broadcast tower.

See also

Related development

References
  1. Mikesh and Abe 1990, p. 215.
  2. Mikesh and Abe 1990, p. 219.
  3. Mikesh and Abe 1990, p. 231.
  4. Mikesh and Abe 1990, pp. 219–220.

Bibliography
  • Francillon, René J. (1979). Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd. ISBN 0-370-30251-6.
  • Mikesh, Robert C.; Shorzoe Abe (1990). Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. ISBN 1-55750-563-2.
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