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Japan's Kokusai Ki-76 liaison, Army Type 3 Command Liaison Plane
Allied Code Name: Stella
Photos
- Kokusai Ki-76 liaison
Public domain.
- Kokusai Ki-76 liaison
On board the Akitsu Maru escort aircraft carrier in 1944 and used for anti-submarine patrols.
©Imperial Japanese Army photo.
Design
The Ki-76 was designed by Kozo Masuhara, who patterned the aircraft after the German Fi 156 Storch after the Japanese Army saw its success in Europe.
The design team decided to use Fowler flaps which were synchronized with the tail surfaces which gave the Ki-76 a higher lift.
In June 1941, a Storch and a Ki-76 were compared and the Ki-76 excelled in all areas except for landing distance.
Prototype
In May 1941 the Ki-76 had its maiden flight. It was found to be unstable, but easy to fly for inexperienced pilots.
Flight tests were completed in November 1942.
Production
- Total: Unknown
- Manufacturer: Nippon Kokusai Koku Kogyo K.K. at Hiratsuka
- Production: 1941 - 1944, Fall 1942 - 1944,
Usage
Seven Ki-76s served aboard the Japanese Army's escort aircraft carrier, Akitsu Maru as anti-submarine patrol aircraft. An arrestor hook and two 132 lb / 60 kg depth charges were installed.
Specifications
| Kokusai Ki-76 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Liaison, Artillery Spotter, Anti-Submarine |
| Crew | 2 Pilot, Observer |
| Engine (Type) | Hitachi Ha-42 |
| Cylinders | Radial 9 |
| Cooling | Air |
| Net HP | 310 |
| Propeller blades | 2 wooden |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 49' 2", 49' 2 9/16" 15 m |
| Length | 31' 4", 31' 4 3/8" 9.56 m |
| Height | 9' 6", 9' 6 3/16" 2.9 m |
| Wing area | 316.458 sq ft 29.4 sq m |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 2,447 lb 1,110 kg |
| Normal load | 3,373 lb 1,530 kg |
| Maximum load | 3,571 lb 1,620 kg |
| Performance | |
| Speed | 111 mph 178 kph |
| Service ceiling | 18,470' 5,630 m |
| Range | 466 miles 750 km |
| Armament | 1: MG |
| Cockpit - Rear | 1: 7.7 mm Type 89 machine gun |
| Bombs | 264 lb |
| Depth Charges | 2: 132 lb 2: 60 kg |
Sources:
- World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
- Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War, René J Francillon, 1970
