Tachikawa Ki-9

Ki-9

Picture - Tachikawa Ki-9

Role: Training aircraft
Manufacturer: Tachikawa Aircraft Company Ltd
First flight: 7 January 1935
Introduced: 1935
Retired: 1945
Primary user: IJA Air Force
Produced: 1934-1945
Number built: 2,618

The Tachikawa Ki-9 (九五式一型練習機, Kyūgo-shiki ichigata renshuki) was an intermediate training aircraft of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force built by Tachikawa Aircraft Company Ltd in the 1930s. It was known to the Allies under the nickname of "Spruce" during World War II.

Design and development

The Ki-9 was a two seat unequal wing biplane design. Tachikawa originally planned to use the same basic airframe for both basic training and intermediate training, differentiating the two models by the use of different engines. The prototype Ki-9 flew on 7 January 1935, powered by a 261 kW (350 hp) nine cylinder Hitachi Ha-13a radial engine. The second prototype was identical, and the third prototype was powered by a 112 hp (80 kW) Nakajima NZ seven-cylinder radial engine. The third prototype exhibited stability problems due a center of gravity issue, and as a result the primary trainer model was abandoned and the Ki-9 was developed only for the intermediate trainer. Tachikawa subsequently developed the Ki-17 for the primary trainer role. The first production aircraft were delivered in 1935.

Operational history

The Ki-9 was introduced to service as the Army Type 95-1 Medium Grade Trainer Model A under the former aircraft naming nomenclature system. The first version had a complex split-axle landing gear with fairings over the top of the wheels. In 1939 this was modified and simplified, the fuselage slightly shortened and total weight reduced. The resulting Army Type 95-1 Model B or Ki-9-kai had improved maneuverability and flight characteristics. This version was quickly superseded by the Army Type 95-1 Model C, or Ki-9-otsu in full production.

Both versions were used widely for blind-flying training with a folding hood over the rear cockpit, and several were modified with a glazed canopy over the rear cockpit for use as a staff officer transport plane.

Production by Tachikawa totaled 2,395 aircraft, ending in 1942. At least another 220 Ki-9s were constructed by Tokyo Gasu Denki (also known as Gasuden) from 1943-1945.

The Ki-9 was also flown in wartime by Japanese satellite countries and postwar by the fledgling government of Indonesia, and captured units by the Republic of China.

Variants

Ki-9 (Army Type 95-1 Medium Grade Trainer Model A): Initial version two-seat intermediate trainer aircraft.
Ki-9-ko (Army Type 95-1 Medium Grade Trainer Model B): Improved version.
Ki-9-otsu (Army Type 95-1 Medium Grade Trainer Model C): Standard production version.

Operators

(World War II)

Japan

Imperial Japanese Army Air Force

Nanjing Nationalist Government

Reformed Republic of China Air Force

Manchukuo

Manchukuo Air Force

Thailand

Royal Thai Air Force

(postwar)

Indonesia

Indonesian Air Force

Republic of China

Republic of China Air Force

South Korea

Republic of Korea Air Force

Specifications (Ki-9 Model A)

Data from Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War

General characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 7.9 m (25 ft 11 in)
Wingspan: 10.32 m (33 ft 10 in)
Height: 3.1 m (10 ft 2 in)
Wing area: 24.5 m� (264 ft�)
Empty weight: 1,120 kg (2,468 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 1,580 kg (3,482 lb)
Powerplant: 1x� Hitachi Ha-13a radial engine, 261 kW (350 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 240 km/h (130 kn, 149 mph)
Cruise speed: 150 km/h (93 mph)
Service ceiling: 5,800 m (19,030 ft)
Wing loading: 58.2 kg/m� (11.9 lb/ft�)
Endurance: 3.5 hours

Comparable aircraft

de Havilland Tiger Moth

Bibliography

Francillon, Ph.D., Ren� J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1979. ISBN 0-370-30251-6. (new edition 1987 by Putnam Aeronautical Books, ISBN 0-85177-801-1.)

Tachikawa Ki-9 Pictures

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia