Ishikawajima T-2 “Teisatsuki” (First Prototype)
History:
In November 1925, the Japanese Army issued a request to Mitsubishi, Kawasaki, Nakajima, and Ishikawajima to develop an experimental reconnaissance aircraft exclusively designed in Japan. These companies were tasked with submitting their design proposals by January of the following year.
Ishikawajima appointed Shiro Yoshihara, a former member of the Tokorozawa Army Aviation School’s Department of Research, as the chief designer. In May 1926, Dr. Gustav Lachmann joined the project as a technical advisor. By August, the design was completed and received initial approval from the Army. After evaluating all the proposals, the Army ordered two prototypes from three companies, excluding Nakajima.
First Prototype:
The first Ishikawajima prototype, designated T-2 (“Teisatsuki,” meaning reconnaissance aircraft), was completed in July 1927. It was powered by a 450hp Hispano-Suiza engine. Test flights were initially conducted by Dr. Lachmann, followed by further testing by Zenjiro Kamata, a former Army pilot. The two prototypes were delivered to the Army’s flight-test team in December 1927.
Second Prototype:
The second T-2 prototype was completed in November 1927, featuring a 500hp BMW VI engine. This version had a slightly larger fuselage than the first prototype. According to Army requirements, Ishikawajima’s aircraft were made entirely of wood, which later revealed structural weaknesses during testing.
Mitsubishi and Kawasaki’s prototypes used metal-frame construction, proving more durable than Ishikawajima’s wooden structure. Though Ishikawajima’s design offered easier and cheaper construction, structural damage during testing led to the decision to adopt a metal wing and steel-tube fuselage in future designs.
Ultimately, only two T-2 prototypes were built. Kawasaki’s design, which featured metal construction, won the competition and was adopted by the Army as the Type 88 Reconnaissance Aircraft.
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Sources:
- Ishikawajima (Tachikawa) Prototypes & Projects | Secret Projects Forum
- Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941 (Putnam Aeronautical Books): Mikesh, Robert, Abe, Shorzoe: 9781557505637: Amazon.com: Books
- Ishikawajima T-2 / 石川T-2 : Tachikawa / Ishikawajima
- Mitsubishi ‘Babs’ Volume I | AeroScale
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