KAYABA KA-1

The Kayaba Ka-1 was a Japanese WWII mixed gyroplane. The drive was provided by a single engine Argus As 10C with a power of 240 hp. The flight of the prototype probably took place in May 1941, and serial production continued in the years 1941-1945, ending with the production of about 90-100 machines of this type. The Kayaba Ka-1 did not have on-board weapons, but it could carry a load of bombs weighing up to 120 kilograms. Kayaba Ka-1 was created in connection with the experiences of the Japanese-Soviet war of 1938-1939. Based on them, the army aviation command decided to use a limited number of gyroplanes as ideally suited for observing the battlefield and correcting own artillery fire. The Kayaba Ka-1 was developed under the license of the American Kellet KD-1A gyroplane, but the final Kayaba Seisakusho gyroplanes were adapted to the requirements of the Japanese Army. The combat use of these machines raises a lot of doubts. They were certainly part of the equipment of the Japanese land forces, but information about their combat use is unclear. Almost certainly some machines of this type went to the Philippines in 1942, and later (from 1943) they began to be adapted to the activities of the ZOP (anti-submarine warfare). Probably a few examples of Kayaba Ka-1 also operated from the deck of the Akitsu-Maru escort carrier.