Kawasaki Ki-32
| Kawasaki Ki-32 | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Bomb plane |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
March 1937 |
| Commissioning: |
1938 |
| Production time: |
1938-1940 |
| Number of pieces: |
854 |
The Kawasaki Ki-32 is a light two-seat bomber aircraft of the Second World War . As the last bomber in the Japanese armed forces, it was equipped with a V-engine . The allied code name is Mary .
history
Development began in May 1936 as a competing design for the Mitsubishi Ki-30 . Designed as a cantilever low- wing aircraft in all-metal construction, the Ki-32 was given a robust landing gear designed for use on unpaved slopes. It was non-retractable and streamlined. A Kawasaki Ha-9-IIb served as the engine . The first flight took place in March 1937. In a comparison flight with the Ki-30, the Ki-32 proved to be superior in terms of flight characteristics, especially maneuverability, but suffered from the chronically unreliable engine. Nevertheless, a series order was placed for both types.
In July 1938, production started under the official designation Heerestyp 98 single-engine light bomber . In the same year the first combat mission took place during the war with China . The pilots were satisfied with the maneuverability of the model, but criticized the high sensitivity of the liquid-cooled drive to bombardment. At the beginning of the Pacific War , the Ki-32 was in the forefront of action and, among other things, flew attacks against Hong Kong . In the further course of the fighting, however, it quickly became obsolete and from 1942 was only used as an advanced trainer . Production ended in May 1940 after the 854th machine, including the eight prototypes built.
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data |
|---|---|
| crew | 2 (pilot / gunner) |
| length | 11.64 m |
| Wingspan | 15.00 m |
| height | 2.90 m |
| Wing area | 34.00 m² |
| Wing extension | 6.6 |
| Empty mass | 2349 kg |
| Takeoff mass | normal 3540 kg maximum 3762 kg |
| drive | a liquid-cooled 12-cylinder V-engine Kawasaki Ha-9-IIb |
| power | 850 PS (approx. 630 kW) |
| Top speed | 423 km / h at an altitude of 3490 m |
| Marching speed | 300 km / h |
| Rise time | 10.55 min at 5000 m altitude |
| Service ceiling | 8900 m |
| Range | normal 1300 km maximum 1960 km |
| Armament | a fixed 7.7 mm MG Type 89 and a movable 7.7 mm MG Type 89 |
| Bomb load | normal 300 kg maximum 450 kg |
