KAWASAKI KI-78

The Kawasaki Ki-78 was a Japanese metal low wing experimental aircraft from the Second World War. The drive was provided by a single engine Daimler Benz DB-601A with a power of 1,550 hp. The prototype flight took place in May 1942 - the machine never entered mass production. The machine did not have a permanent on-board armament. Kawasaki Ki-78 was created as a machine on which the behavior of the engine and the airframe as well as its maneuverability at very high speeds were checked. The research project was initially subordinate to the University of Tokyo, but in 1941 it was taken over by the research centers of the Army Aviation Command, which tried to use the experience gathered during the work to develop a new fighter with the highest possible maximum speed. However, the flight tests of the Ki-78 showed numerous defects in the design of the aircraft, and finally in 1944 the entire program was discontinued. Most likely, only one Kawasaki Ki-78 was made.