
BOOKS - MILITARY HISTORY - Kawasaki Ki.48-I/II Sokei in Japanese Army Air Force, CNAF...

Kawasaki Ki.48-I/II Sokei in Japanese Army Air Force, CNAF & IPSF Service (Osprey Aircam Aviation Series №32)
Year: 1972
Pages: 52
Format: PDF

Pages: 52
Format: PDF

The Kawasaki Ki-48 III Sokei was a reconnaissance aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service during World War II. The aircraft was designed and built by Kawasaki Aircraft Company and entered service in 1943. It was powered by two Nakajima Ha-109 engines and had a crew of three: pilot, observer, and radio operator. The Ki-48 III Sokei had a maximum speed of 365 km/h and a range of 2,000 km. It was armed with two 7. 7mm machine guns and could carry up to 40 kg of bombs. The aircraft was used for reconnaissance missions over China and Southeast Asia, providing valuable intelligence to Japanese commanders. Despite its effectiveness, the Ki-48 III Sokei faced several challenges during its service. One of the main challenges was the lack of adequate training for its pilots and ground crews. Many of the pilots were inexperienced and struggled to handle the aircraft's complex systems. Additionally, the aircraft's engines were prone to overheating, which often led to engine failure. The Ki-48 III Sokei also suffered from poor visibility from the cockpit, making it difficult for pilots to navigate and land safely. The development of the Ki-48 III Sokei is an important chapter in the history of aviation technology. The aircraft's design and construction reflect the rapid evolution of military aviation technology during World War II.
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