Less known fighter

[Pilot]

Here on this image is Kawasaki Ki-78 plane. Less known for me and I would like to ask for a help in providing of more info and technical data about this plane.

Thank you

[JMSmith]

hi rahan,
posted a reply on AWF, look here,

http://www.airwarfareforum.com/viewtopic.php?t=6266

[robert_schulte]

From the book "Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War" by René Francillon:
Engine: 1175 hp Daimler Benz DB 601 A, 1550 hp for short duration
Dimensions: Span 8 m, length 8.1 m, height 3.07 m, wing area 11sq m
Weights: empty 1930 kg, loaded 2300 kg, wing loading 209 kg/sq m, power loading 2 kg/hp
Performance: max. speed 700 km/h (435 mph) at 3500 m, ceiling 8000 m, range 600 km (373 miles)
More later
Regards
Robert

[robert_schulte]

As promised, here is a short summary of the description in the book:
The plane was originally a civil project for an attempt to break the world speed record and was taken over by the Imperial Japanese Army under the designation Ki-78.
To minimize drag, the fuselage had a minimum cross section and the wings had laminar airflow. To reduce landing speed, the rather small wing had combination of Fowler and split flaps as well as drooping ailerons. The Db 601 A was modified to incorporate a water-methanol-injection – the first time in Japan – to boost the power to 1550 hp for a short time.
First flight was on 26 Dec. 1942, the plane was extremely difficult to fly at low speeds and had high take off and landing speeds. On its 31st flight, the plane reached its maximum speed of 699.6 km/h at 3527 m, which was considerably less than the aimed goal of 850 km/h.
Flight trials were suspended after the 32nd flight on 11 Jan. 1944 because too many airframe and engine modifications would have been required to achieve the calculated performance.
Best wishes
Robert

[Pilot]

Thank you all!!! it is really stupid when you have original image and don't know what you have in hands