Kawasaki Ki-102

The Kawasaki Ki‑102 was a twin‑engine, low‑wing fighter‑bomber developed by Kawasaki Heavy Industries for the Imperial Japanese Army toward the end of World War II. Originating in 1943 as an evolution of the earlier Ki‑61 Hien, the Ki‑102 series incorporated a more powerful 1,175 hp Kawasaki Ha‑112‑II radial engine in each nacelle, giving the aircraft a top speed of roughly 680 km/h and a service ceiling of 10,500 meters. Three main variants were produced: the Ki‑102 Kō for pure fighter duties, the Ki‑102 Otsu as a ground‑attack model equipped with 20 mm cannons and external racks for bombs, and the Ki‑102 Hei, a night‑fighter version that carried a radar unit and upward‑firing armament. Only a handful of prototypes and a limited production run of about 200 airframes were completed before Japan’s surrender, so the Ki‑102 never saw combat in large numbers. Nevertheless, its design illustrated Japan’s shift toward multi‑role aircraft and the integration of radar technology. The Ki‑102 remains a noteworthy example of late‑war Japanese engineering, reflecting Kawasaki Heavy Industries’ ability to adapt existing airframes to meet evolving tactical demands and to influence post‑war designs.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries

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