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Nakajima Ki-8 (中島 キ8)
The Nakajima Ki-8 is a Japanese prototype fighter aircraft that was intended to replace the Nakajima Type 91 fighter. In 1934, 5 prototypes were created, which were rejected by the army.
History
In the 1930s, work was underway in western countries on various single-engine and two-seat fighters. This report encouraged the designers from Nakajima to try to create their own single-engine, two-seat fighter. Work on the aircraft began in 1933, and the project was led by Shigejjro Ohwada and his assistant Toshio Matsuda. The first prototypes were created in early 1934 and were sent for testing, which lasted from March 1934 to May 1935. During the tests, problems with aerodynamic stability were shown, in addition, many design defects and failures appeared. During testing, one of the aircraft lost its vertical stabilizer, which caused the last prototype to be redesigned. In total, five prototypes were built with different engine covers and windshields, but prototype number 5 was supposed to solve the problems of the previous prototypes. It removed all the problems from the previous prototypes (including the reinforcement of the vertical stabilizer) and this aircraft was the last to be tested by the army. During the tests, it was shown that the performance of the aircraft did not differ from the Nakajima Type 91, and in addition, the Japanese Army Air Force did not know how to use such an aircraft. During the tests, the plane was designated Ki-8, but in 1935 the plane was rejected and further work on the concept of a single-engine two-seater fighter was discontinued. After the tests, the planes served as a tug for flying purposes, but due to the lack of parts and frequent failures, Ki-8 aircraft were banned from flying until 1937. After that, all the remaining Ki-8 aircraft were scrapped (probably 3 planes)
Construction description
The Nakajima Ki-8 had inverted gull wings and a fixed landing gear with aerodynamic wheel covers. The plane was metal, but the control parts were covered with fabric. The Ki-8 was powered by a Nakajima Kotobuki 3 engine with a take-off power of 550 horsepower. The pilot’s cabin was partially closed with a rearward-sliding cabin, and behind the pilot there was a gunner’s station. The plane was armed with three Type 89 7.7mm machine guns, two in the nose firing from between the engine pistons, and one moving gun used by the rear gunner.
General characteristics
- Crew: two
- Length: 8.17 m
- Wingspan: 12.88 m
- Height: 3.57 m
- Wing area: 28.5 m2
- Empty weight: 1,525 kg
- Gross weight: 2,111 kg
- Powerplant: 1 × Nakajima Kotobuki 3 with a take-off power of 404 kW (550 hp)
- Propellers: Two-bladed propeller with a diameter of 2.9 m
Performance
- Maximum speed: 328 km/h
- Cruise Speed: 296 km/h
- Range: 800 km
- Maximum range: 1,000 km
- Time to Climb: 5,6 min to 3000 m
- Service ceiling: 8,760 m
Armament
- 2 × 7.7mm Type 89 fixed machine guns in the nose
- 1 × Movable Type 89 7.7 mm machine gun in a dorsal mount
Special thanks
Summary
The Nakajima Ki-8 is an interesting aircraft for Japan in War Thunder. This aircraft, although it does not impress with its flight performance, provides an advantage over enemy fighters and bombers, the ability to fire backwards. This capability will allow you to intercept enemy bombers and facilitate dogfighting. This aircraft is well suited as a rank I Premium aircraft.
Internet sources
キ8 (航空機) - Wikipedia
Nakajima Ki-8 - Wikipedia
Nakajima Ki-8 - Japan - War Thunder - Official Forum
Nakadžima Ki 8 : Nakadžima
https://www.ne.jp/asahi/airplane/museum/cl-pln11/1982cl/Ki-8f.html
Уголок неба ¦ Nakajima Ki-8
Nakajima Ki-8 — avionslegendaires.net
Nakajima Ki-8 Experimental Two-Seat Fighter
Book sources
- Mikesh, Robert C.; Abe, Shorzoe (1990). *Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941 page 217-2018
- La Aviación Japonesa en la Segunda Guerra mundial (Japanese aviation in World War II) page 354
Aviones Japonese | PDF | Fuerzas aéreas del ejército de los Estados Unidos | Avión de combate
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