Secret Japanese Jets

[tiger63]

I was watching the History Channel the other day. It was a show called "The Last Secrets of the Axis" It mentioned two different jet planes. One was the Kikka which I'm familiar with. (Note: The Kikka was not an exact copy as many people think. The Kikka, according to the show, was designed as an attacker to defend Japan from the Allied invasion ships.) But it also mentioned a jet fighter that WAS an almost exact copy of the Me-262. I can't remember the name or anything else about it. Does anyone have any info on the Japanese copy of the Me-262?


Will

[Wing Nut]

I think the Kikka was actually based on the Me 262 blueprints, although it was an independent project.  I wouldn't put too much faith in the History Channel.  They aren't really known for their accuracy...  ;)

[Felix/FFDS]

The Nakajima Kikka was an original Japanese design, influenced somewhat by technical information on the Me 262 brought back in late 1944.  However, part of the revised specification from the IMperial Navy  a close-support fighter) included folding wings.

Come to think of it - today - August 7th, marks the anniversary of its first flight.

Air Enthusiast of May 1972 had an interesting article on the Kikka, but interestingly:

Reference to the fact that the deseign of the Kikka] was inspired by the Me262 has sometimes led to the confusion between this attack aircraft and a Japaneses derivative of the Messerschmitt fighter that resulted from a licensing arrangement between Japan and Germany.  Tis project was launched on 12 January 1945 under the Kitai (Experimental) designation Ki.201 as the Nakajima Army Experimental ryu (Fire Dragon) Attack Fighter.  The construction of prototypes of the Karyu had commenced before hostilities terminated, and the first had been scheduled for completion in December  1945, but in the event, none was completed.

Reference: Air Enthusiast/MAY 1972

[tiger63]

Felix, thats the plane I'm talking about. Does anyone have any more info. I've googled several times but this subject seems to be pretty rare. I'm really interested in secret aircraft designs of Germany and Japan, though info on secret Japanese projects is rare. Any info would be greatly appreciated.

Will

[Felix/FFDS]

It would have been a license-built Me262.  

However, a quick google search brings about several sites, including:

http://tanks45.tripod.com/Jets45/Histor ... /Ki201.htm

with a description and three view.

[tiger63]

thanks a mil. that was just what i was looking for.