| Ki-6 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Civil version of Ki-6 in use byJapan Air Transport | |
| Role | transport, training aircraft Type of aircraft |
| Manufacturer | Nakajima Aircraft Company |
| First flight | 1930 |
| Introduction | 1931 |
| Primary users | IJA Air Force Manchukuo Air Force |
| Developed from | Fokker Super Universal |
TheNakajima Ki-6 (九五式二型練習機,Kyūgo-shiki nigata renshuki) was a licensed-produced version of theFokker Super Universaltransport built byNakajima Aircraft Company in the 1930s. Initially used as anairliner, the militarized version was used by theImperial Japanese Army in a variety of roles, ranging frommedical evacuation to transport andtraining aircraft. It was used extensively in combat zones inManchukuo and in China during theSecond Sino-Japanese War.
The Ki-6 originated as theModel 8 Super Universal,[1] launched by Fokker in theUnited States in 1927 as a further development of its successfulFokker 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 acantilever 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 inbush 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 inGlendale, California. The Super Universal remained in production until January 1931.
The Super Universal caught the attention of a number of civilairlines from 1928 onwards. There was also interest from the United States military, although no order was placed. Fokker received export orders fromColombia,Argentina,South Africa, andJapan, and a license production agreements were made with theCanadian subsidiary ofVickers and with Nakajima Aircraft Company in Japan.
The first Super Universal was brought to Japan in components and assembled by Nakajima forJapan Air Transport, thenational airline of theEmpire of Japan from 1928-38. Under license production, Nakajima replaced the engine with a 336 kW (450 hp)Bristol Jupiterradial engine, also license-built in Japan and, later, by its ownNakajima 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 subsidiaryManshūkoku Hikōki Seizo KK inManchukuo, which also produced an unknown number of units. The first military Super Universals were introduced into service following Japan'sinvasion of Manchuria in 1931 when theImperial Japanese Army commandeered seven Super Universals from the Japan Air Transport Company.
In 1932, theImperial Japanese Army Air Force decided to acquire its own transports, which it designated as theArmy Type 95 Training Aircraft under the former aircraft naming nomenclature system orKi-6 under the new system. The first aircraft was delivered as aflying ambulance fitted with two stretchers and three seats.[2] This was followed by an order for twenty trainers to be used for training pilots, gunners,bombardiers, and wireless operators.[3]
TheImperial Japanese Navy Air Service also ordered twenty Ki-6s, re-designating the aircraft as theNavy Fokker Land-Based Reconnaissance Aircraft or, in short,C2N1 when used for land-based operations, and an additional thirtyNavy Fokker Reconnaissance Seaplane or, in short,C2N2, which were fitted with afloatplane.[4] The naval version had a largercabin and was used onreconnaissance andmilitary transport missions.
The aircraft built in Japan were used for both civil and military roles with some remaining in operation until afterWorld War II.
Data fromJapanese AIrcraft, 1910-1941[5]
General characteristics
Performance
Related development
