History Of The Kawasaki Ki-10

The Kawasaki Ki-10, designated as Army Type 95 Fighter (九五式戦闘機, Kyūgo-shiki sentōki), was the last biplane fighter adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA). Introduced in 1935, its exceptional maneuverability and robust design made it a favorite among Japanese pilots during its operational tenure. Its Allied reporting name was “Perry”.

A line of Ki-10s. (Source)

Design, Development and Variants:

In the early 1930s, the Imperial Japanese Army sought to modernize its fighter aircraft fleet, aiming to replace the aging Kawasaki Ki-3. Kawasaki responded with the Ki-5, a monoplane design featuring inverted gull wings. However, it suffered from poor stability and maneuverability, leading to its rejection. Recognizing the shortcomings of the Ki-5, the Army initiated a new competition, inviting both Kawasaki and Nakajima to develop successor designs.

Kawasaki Ki-3 (Source) and Kawasaki Ki-5. (Source)

Kawasaki, under the leadership of chief designer Takeo Doi, took a more conservative approach with the Ki-10. Learning from the Ki-5's failures, Doi emphasized maneuverability and stability, resulting in a biplane configuration that was a significant redesign of the earlier Ki-3. The first prototype of the Ki-10 was completed in March 1935. In comparative trials against Nakajima’s Ki-11, a low-wing monoplane, the Ki-10 demonstrated superior maneuverability and climb rate. Even though the Ki-11 had superior speed, the Army valued the Ki-10's qualities, leading to its adoption as the Type 95 Fighter in December 1935.

The Ki-10 featured an all-metal structure with fabric-covered surfaces, adhering to the conventional biplane layout with unequal-span wings braced by struts. The upper wing incorporated ailerons to enhance roll control. Powering the aircraft was the Kawasaki Ha-9-IIa V-12 liquid-cooled engine, delivering 850 horsepower at takeoff and providing a balance between speed and agility, aligning with the Imperial Japanese Army’s doctrines. The armament consisted of two synchronized 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns mounted on the engine cowling.

Kawasaki Ki-10-II KAI prototype. (Source)

The Ki-10 underwent several modifications, resulting in distinct variants:

Ki-10 Prototype: Four prototypes constructed in early 1935 to evaluate the initial design’s feasibility.
Ki-10-I (Army Fighter Type 95-I): The initial production model, with 300 units manufactured between December 1935 and October 1937. This version laid the foundation for subsequent improvements.
Ki-10-II: An enhanced prototype featuring a lengthened fuselage and increased wingspan to improve stability and performance. A single unit was built in May 1936 for testing purposes.
Ki-10-II (Army Fighter Type 95-2): Based on the Ki-10-II prototype, this production version incorporated the design enhancements, with 280 units produced between June 1937 and December 1938.
Ki-10-I KAI: A modified Ki-10-I variant with adjustments to the engine and radiator to enhance aerodynamics and performance. One prototype was completed in October 1936.
Ki-10-II KAI: An experimental version featuring further aerodynamic refinements and equipped with a more powerful 634 kW Kawasaki Ha-9-IIb engine. Two prototypes were constructed in November 1937 to explore the aircraft’s performance ceiling.

In total, approximately 588 Ki-10 aircraft were produced, encompassing all variants and prototypes.

Operational History:

Upon its introduction in 1935, the Ki-10 became the IJA’s primary fighter aircraft. Its combat debut occurred during the early stages of the Second Sino-Japanese War, where it was deployed extensively in Manchukuo (Manchuria) and northern China. The aircraft’s agility provided a significant advantage over opponents of the Republic of China Air Force, allowing Japanese pilots to execute complex aerial maneuvers with precision.

A notable engagement took place on September 21, 1937, when a formation of Ki-10s escorted Mitsubishi Ki-2 bombers during a raid on Taiyuan. During this mission, Major Hiroshi Miwa led the Ki-10 fighters against Chinese Curtiss Hawk IIs and V-65C Corsairs. While the Japanese fighters achieved several aerial victories, Major Miwa was shot down and fatally wounded by Captain Chan Kee-Wong of the Chinese 28th Pursuit Squadron.

By the time of the Battles of Khalkhin Gol, the Ki-10 was beginning to show its age. Facing more advanced Soviet aircraft, the Ki-10's limitations became apparent, prompting the IJA to seek more modern replacements such as the Nakajima Ki-27. By 1941, the Ki-10 had been largely retired from frontline service, transitioning to roles such as training, short-range patrol, and reconnaissance.

Photograph of a Kawasaki Ki-10 on the ground, possibly taken around autumn of 1937. (Source)

Sources:

Categories:

Aviation

#history

#article

#kawasaki

#japan

#biplanes

#fighters

Vehicles mentioned:

Vehicle families

Ki-10