- Yes
- No
Background
Spoiler
In 1927, engineer Carlo Proz of Junkers, in collaboration with Hermann and Purman, introduced an enhanced version of the Junkers A48 mail aircraft, which was derived from the Junkers K-53 fighter. The prototype took to the skies for its inaugural flight in September 1928. Following this, a two-seat, all-metal fighter featuring twin vertical tails was developed from the A48 mail plane, with weaponry and firepower tests conducted at the Swedish branch. This variant made its first flight in Sweden in January 1929, and trial production commenced in 1930, leading to its designation as the K-47. Two units were returned to Germany, while twelve were sold to the Soviet Union.
Given the considerable pressure and acceleration experienced by a two-seat fighter at high speeds, the K-47 was designed with an elliptical semi-monocoque fuselage. The exterior is crafted from smooth, durable hard aluminum. The fuselage is segmented into three sections, with the wing roots on either side of the central fuselage connecting the left and right wings. To reinforce the structure, two sets of V-shaped struts are positioned between the wings and the landing gear. To enhance rear firepower capabilities, a dual tail rudder configuration was implemented. The aircraft is powered by either a German BMW C type engine or a British Bristol “Jupiter” VI (Bristol Jupiter VII) engine. The horizontal landing gear is fitted with a hydraulic buffer. The nose houses two 7.62 mm caliber machine guns, while the rear cabin is equipped with a movable machine gun of the same caliber. This rear cabin machine gun is mounted on a specialized foot-operated gun mount, allowing for a pitch range of -3 degrees to 90 degrees and a horizontal rotation of +/-36 degrees, effectively addressing the challenges of aiming while the aircraft is in various flight attitudes. The Junkers K-47 garnered significant attention upon its introduction.
The single-seat fighter was deemed more practical, resulting in limited orders for the K-47. Nevertheless, the Luftwaffe recognized the aircraft’s potential for development and discreetly dispatched the K-47 to the Soviet Union’s Rybisk base for testing. The findings from these tests were forwarded to Junkers to encourage enhancements to the design. This ultimately led to the creation of the Junkers Ju 87 dive bomber.
To expand its market reach, Junkers Company promoted the aircraft in China. In May 1931, the Aviation Department of the Military and Administrative Department of the Nanjing National Government placed an order for seven K-47s through Hong Kong Kenshin & Co., Ltd. (factory numbers C/N3357-3360, 3364, 3366, 3367), which were equipped with the American Pratt and Whitney Company’s “Bornet” 580-horsepower liquid-cooled engine. Additionally, the Guangdong Local Air Force ordered three K-47s with identical specifications in June of the same year (factory numbers C/N3368-3370), intending to ship them to Manila. However, due to a dispute between Nanjing and Guangdong, negotiations ensued, resulting in the detention of three of Guangdong’s K-47s. Ultimately, these ten K-47s were integrated into the 6th, 7th, and 2nd Aviation Teams of the Nanjing National Government. The first K-47 aircraft sold to China arrived in June 1931, with the remaining units reaching Shanghai on August 31 before being transferred to Nanjing. Concurrently, the company dispatched two flight instructors, Frommhery and Breyham, with Breyham assisting in flight training.
On January 10, 1932, German instructor Breyman was in the pilot’s seat of a K-47 when he was struck by another K-47 piloted by a Chinese aviator flying at an extremely low altitude, resulting in his death.
In 1933, the Nationalist government initiated a series of aircraft donations. The renowned Shanghai Tianchu MSG Factory acquired a Czech-manufactured K-47 (factory number C/N3356) for 120,000 marks, which was shipped to Shanghai in July of that year. After assembly, the aircraft crashed during a test flight conducted by a German pilot at the beginning of the following year. Once repaired at the factory, it was transferred to the Aviation Administration, accompanied by a Junkers A50 trainer as compensation. This aircraft was designated “Tianchu” and marked the last K-47 fighter procured by China.
On January 28, 1932, Japan instigated the “February 8th” Incident. In response, the Aviation Administration dispatched nine military aircraft of various types from the 6th and 7th Aviation Teams to Shanghai Hongqiao Airport from Nanjing on February 5 to engage in the conflict. Subsequently, the 2nd Aviation Team also proceeded to the front lines. At approximately 6:30 a.m. on February 26, our military aircraft, concentrated at Qiaoshi Airport near Hangzhou, were preparing for takeoff to assault Japanese positions in Shanghai. Unexpectedly, they were ambushed by 15 Nakajima Type 3 carrier-based fighter jets and Nakajima Type 13 carrier-based attack aircraft from the Japanese Navy. The captain of the 2nd team, Shi Bangfan, piloted the ‘P-7’ K-47 and led the formation into battle. Additionally, Ji Xu from the Guangdong Air Force, who had traveled north to assist, also took off in a Type-47. During the aerial engagement, a Nakajima Type 13 was downed and made an emergency landing in the Qiantang River, although the pilot was rescued by an approaching Japanese warship. The machine gun in the rear seat of the ‘P-7’ became jammed, rendering it inoperable. Shi Bangfan sustained a gunshot wound to his left arm during the confrontation.
Technical Data
Specifications
Crew - 2
Length - 8.55 m
Height - 2.4 m
Wingspan - 12.4 m
Empty Weight - 1,050 kg
Gross Weight - 1,650 kg
Powerplant - 1 x BMW Hornet Radial Engine (357.94 kW)
Max Speed - 269 km/h
Service Ceiling - 7,925 m
Range - 492 km
Armament
2 x MG 08/15 7.92mm Machine Gun
1 x MG 08/15 7.92mm Machine Gun in Turret Mount.
2 x 50 kg Bombs
Images
Sources
Spoiler
(Book) Encyclopedia of Chinese Aircraft, Vol 1.