5 replies to this topic

[Sekigahara1600]

(Most information taken from "Japanese Secret Projects: Experimental Aircraft of the IJA and IJN 1939-1945 by Edwin M. Dyer)

http://digitalaviati...sp_3d_art_3.jpg

Kayaba designed the Katsuodori be a fast ramjet powered point-interceptor to defend Japan against Allied bombers. It is inspired by (and named after) the katsudori bird and its grace when hunting fish. Research began as far back as 1937 by a group of engineers studying ramjet propulsion. Engineers saw the benefits of a high-speed engine with easy manufacturing requirements.

In order to launch the Katsudori, a set of four rocket boosters were required to accelerate the aircraft enough to get the ramjet functioning, a minimum speed of 367 km/h (228 mph). Rockets were to be fired in pairs, each with about five seconds of propellant. The rockets would then be released after use. With the ramjet operating, the craft would have reached speeds of up to 900 km/h (559 mph) and could reach an altitude of 10,000 m in less than three minutes.

http://scalaria.file.../katsudori2.jpg

Designs were nearly completed by 1943, with a prototype expected by 1944. However, the IJA instead chose to work on the rocket-powered Ki-200 and Ki-202 to meet their point-defense needs. The Katsuodori never left the drawing board.

General characteristics
    Crew: 1
    Length: 4.48 m (14.7 ft)
    Wingspan: 8.99 m (29.5 ft)
    Height: 1.85 m (6.1 ft)
    Wing area: 12.57 m² (135.4 ft²)
    Empty weight: 850 kg (1,873 lb)
    Loaded weight: 3,000 kg (6,613 lb)
    Powerplant: 1 × Kayaba Model 1 ramjet, up to 750 kg (1,653 lb) of thrust

Performance
    Maximum speed: 900 km/h (559 mph)
    Range: 400 km (248 mi)
    Service ceiling: 15,000 m (49,212 ft)
    Rate of climb: 3 min to 10,000 m (32,808 ft)

Armament
    2× Ho-301 cannon (30mm variant)

[Papsmurf]

Is it just me or does it look like they are climbing to intercept German bombers?

Also whats the flight time? Solid rocket engines might not fit into game mechanics.

[Sekigahara1600]

ZoomZoom, on 19 January 2012 - 10:49 AM, said:

Is it just me or does it look like they are climbing to intercept German bombers?

Also whats the flight time? Solid rocket engines might not fit into game mechanics.

Actually those are American YB-35 bombers.

As far as flight time, the book says it would have a combat flight time of 30 minutes. After that, it would glide back to base.

[iron610]

Papsmurf, on 19 January 2012 - 10:49 AM, said:

Is it just me or does it look like they are climbing to intercept German bombers?

Also whats the flight time? Solid rocket engines might not fit into game mechanics.

The YB-35 looks a lot like the German Ho-229. That bomber inspired a few aircraft. Anyone else find the Kayaba Katsuodori stubby?

[Mitsosk]

So a Me-163 with ramjet?
As with Me-163 this novel can't really be included in WoWp.Just diffirent animal than those we are looking for.

[wrencher232]

Just plain beautiful! It's something that draws me to this plane. Its just so....awsome!