Fuji KM-2

KM-2
Role Primary trainer
Manufacturer Fuji
First flight 16 January 1962
Introduction 1962
Primary users Japan Air Self-Defense Force
Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force
Japan Ground Self-Defense Force
Number built 64
Developed from Beech T-34 Mentor
Variants Fuji T-3

The Fuji KM-2 is a Japanese propeller-driven light aircraft, which was developed by Fuji Heavy Industries from the Beech T-34 Mentor which Fuji built under licence. Various versions have been used as primary trainers by the Japan Self-Defense Forces, with the KM-2B remaining in service with the Japan Air Self-Defense Force.

Design and development

Fuji Heavy Industries was established in July 1952 as a successor to Nakajima, and undertook licensed production of the Beech T-34 trainer aircraft as its first product.[1] This was used by Fuji for the development of the Fuji LM-1 Nikko which was a four-seat liaison aircraft powered by a 225 hp Continental O-470 engine, with introduction of a more powerful 340 hp Lycoming O-480 engine resulting in redesignation as the LM-2, with both the LM-1 and LM-2 being used by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force.[1]

The KM was a four-seat civil version of the LM-1, fitted with the more powerful Lycoming engine that was later used by the LM-2. After the KM was used by the Japanese government for civil pilot training, the KM-2 was developed as a side-by-side two-seat trainer, first flying on 16 January 1962.[1] Sixty-two were purchased by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force as primary trainers, with a further two purchased by the Japan Ground Self-Defense Force as the TL-1.[2]

The KM-2B was a further development of the KM-2 for use as a primary trainer for the Japan Air Self-Defense Force. It combined the structure and engine of the KM-2 with the tandem cockpit of the T-34 Mentor, first flying on 17 January 1978.[2] Fifty were purchased by the JASDF as the Fuji T-3, production continuing until 1992.[2]

Operators

 Japan

Specifications (KM-2)

Data from Jane's All The World's Aircraft 1966–1967[3]

General characteristics

Performance

See also

Related development


References

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Fuji aircraft.
  1. 1 2 3 Donald, David, ed. (1997). The Encyclopedia of World Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1-85605-375-X.
  2. 1 2 3 Donald, David; Lake, Jon, eds. (1996). Encyclopedia of World Military Aircraft. London: Aerospace Publishing. ISBN 1-874023-95-6.
  3. ↑ Taylor 1966, p. 102.
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