Japan's Nakajima Kikka (orange blossom) bomber
Photos
Design
The Kikka was influenced by the Messerschmitt Me 262A but it was designed by the Japanese.1 It ended up being slightly smaller than the Me 262A.1 The Kikka became the only jet plane to fly in Japan during World War II.1
In September 1944 the Navy asked Nakajima to design a jet propelled aircraft to be used as a bomber.1 It needed to go 435 mph, go 125 miles, and carry 550 lbs of bombs.1 The wings need to be foldable so that the aircraft could be hidden in caves and tunnels.1 With the addition of two 990 lb thrust rockets the Kikka could take off in 115'.1
The Kikka was designed by Kazuo Ohno and Kenichi Matsumura.1
Engines
The engines were initially the Ne-12 with 748 lbs of thrust.1 They were replaced by the Ne-20 with 1,045 lbs of thrust.1
Prototype
The Kikka prototype was first flown by Captain Susumu Tanaoka on August 7, 1945.1 This flight took place at Kisarazu Naval Air Base.1 Four days later, a faulty installation of the takeoff rockets damaged the aircraft.1
Production
- Prototypes: 11
- Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki K.K.1
Variants
- Nakajima Kikka:
- ?: Trainer.1 Two seats.1
- ?: Reconnaissance.1
- ?: Fighter.1 Two 30 mm cannons.1 Ne-130 engines with 1,980 lbs of thrust.1
Usage
Specifications
| Nakajima Kikka1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Bomber1 |
| Crew | 11 |
| Engine (Type) | 2: Ne-201 |
| Thrust | 1,045 lb each1 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 32' 9"1 |
| Length | 26' 8"1 |
| Height | 9' 8"1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | |
| Loaded | 7,716 lb1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 32,810' | 443 mph1 |
| Cruising speed | |
| Climb | |
| Service ceiling | 39,370'1 |
| Range | 586 miles1 |
| Armament | |
| Bombs | 1,764 lb1 |
Sources:
- World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
