Kayaba Ka-1

Template:Infobox Aircraft The Kayaba Ka-1 was a Japanese autogyro, seing service during World War II.

The Japanese Army developed the Ka-1 autogyro for reconnaissance, artillery-spotting, and anti-submarine uses. The Ka-1 was based on an American design, the Kellett KD-1A, which had been imported to Japan in 1938 and further developed. The craft was initially developed for use as an observation platform and for artillery spotting duties. The Japanese Army liked the craft's short take-off span, and its low maintenance requirements. The production began in 1941 and the first autogyros were assigned to artillery units for artillery spotting. These carried two crewmen: a pilot and a spotter.

Later, the Japanese Army commissioned two small aircraft carriers, Akitsu Maru and Nigitsu Maru, intended for coastal antisubmarine (ASW) duties. The Ka-1 was modified by eliminating the spotter's position in order to carry one small depth charge. Ka-1s also operated from shore bases. There are some information that suggests that the autogyros were responsible for at least one sunken submarine. The two carriers were later sunk by American submarines.

A single Ka-1 was built and tested with a Jacobs L-2 radial engine under the designation Ka-2, but no further production was undertaken.

Specifications (Ka-1)

General characteristics

• Crew: 1-2

Performance Armament

• 1x 60 kg depth charge