Kawasaki Ki-32

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawasaki_Ki-32

The Kawasaki Ki-32 (Kyuhachi-shiki keibakugekiki) was a Japanese light bomber
aircraft of World War II. It was a single-engine, two-seat, mid-wing, cantilever
monoplane with a fixed tailwheel undercarriage. An internal bomb bay
accommodated a 300 kg (660 lb) offensive load, supplemented by 150 kg (330 lb)
of bombs on external racks. During the war, it was known by the Allies by the
name Mary.

The Ki-32 was developed in response to a May 1936 Imperial Japanese Army
specification to replace the Kawasaki Ki-3 light bomber with a completely
indigenously designed and built aircraft. Mitsubishi and Kawasaki were requested
to build two prototypes each by December 1936. The specification called for a
top speed of 400 km/h (250 mph) at 3,000 m (9,800 ft); normal operating altitude
from 2,000–4,000 m (6,600–13,100 ft), the ability to climb to 3,000 m (9,800 ft)
within 8 minutes and an engine to be selected from the 825 hp (620 kW)
Mitsubishi Ha-6 radial, 850 hp (630 kW) Nakajima Ha-5 radial, or 850 hp (630 kW)
Kawasaki Ha-9-IIb liquid-cooled inline engines, a normal bomb load of 300 kg
(661.4 lb) and a maximum of 450 kg (992.1 lb), one forward-firing machine gun
and one flexible rearward-firing machine gun, the ability to perform 60-degree
dives for dive bombing, and a loaded weight less than 3,300 kg (7,275.3 lb).

The first Kawasaki prototype flew in March 1937; seven more prototypes were
produced. Being very similar in layout and performance, main difference between
the Kawasaki Ki-32 and its Mitsubishi Ki-30 rival was in the choice of an
engine. The Mitsubishi design used the Nakajima Ha-5 14-cylinder air-cooled
radial engine, whereas Kawasaki opted for their own Kawasaki Ha-9-II inline V12
engine.

Problems were encountered with the Kawasaki design, particularly with engine
cooling, and the Mitsubishi Ki-30 received the production order. In spite of
this, the pressing need for more aircraft in the Second Sino-Japanese War, which
had started at full scale in July 1937, resulted in the Ki-32's entry into
production as well, 12 months behind its rival. Ironically, the number of Ki-32s
built was much higher than that of the successful Ki-30.

The Ki-32 entered production in 1938, designated Army Type 98 Single-engine
Light Bomber, Kawasaki manufactured 854 Ki-32s before production ceased in May
1940.

Role
Light bomber

Manufacturer
Kawasaki Kokuki Kogyo K.K.

First flight
March 1937

Introduction
1938

Retired
1942

Primary users
IJA Air Force
Manchukuo Air Force

Number built
854

The Ki-32 saw extensive war service in the Second Sino-Japanese War, equipping
the 3rd, 6th, 10th, 35th, 45th, 65th and 75th Sentai. It also saw combat during
the Battle of Nomonhan against the Soviet Union in 1938-1939. Its last combat
action was bombing Commonwealth forces during the Japanese Invasion of Hong
Kong.

Ki-32s during World War II were also supplied to the Manchukuo Air Force to
replace their obsolescent Kawasaki Type 88/KDA-2 light bombers; they were the
main bomber of that service through the conflict.

After their withdrawal from front-line service in 1942 the Ki-32s were used in a
training role.

Specifications

General characteristics
Crew: 2
Length: 11.65 m (38 ft 2.5 in)
Wingspan: 15.0 m (49 ft 2½ in)
Height: 2.90m (9 ft 6 in)
Wing area: 34.00 m² (365.98 ft²)
Empty weight: 1,066 kg (2,350 lb)
Max takeoff weight: 3,760 kg (8,290 lb)
Powerplant: 1× Kawasaki Ha-9-IIb liquid-cooled inline V12 engine, 634 kW (850
hp)

Performance
Maximum speed: 423 km/h (228 knots, 263 mph) at (3,940 m) 12,900 ft
Cruise speed: 300 km/h (162 knots, 186 mph)
Range: 1,965 km (1,060 nm, 1,220 mi)
Service ceiling: 8,920 m (29,265 ft)
Rate of climb: 7.6 m/s (1500 ft/min)
Wing loading: 104.1 kg/m² (21.3 lb/ft²)

Armament

Guns: 2× 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns
Bombs: 450 kg (990 lb)



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