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qaz

Apr 29, 2023, 8 tweets

In February 1938, the Japanese Navy purchased 20 Seversky 2PA-B3 two-seat fighters.

$1,573,469.06

They were serviced in the Navy, designated A8V1 and saw a little operational use against China.
The photo is of the plane 'Shiokaze-Gō' sold to the newspaper company Asahi Shimbun.

On September 24, 1937, Mitsubishi purchased the manufacturing license for the North American NA-16-4 trainer and 1 NA-16-4R (NA-37) fitted with Wasp Junior engine.

License $35,000.00
Plane & Instruments $84,108.65

The photo is the NA-16-4R that was delivered to Mitsubishi.

On December 31, 1937, the Japanese Navy purchased 1 North American NA-16-4RW (NA-47) trainer fitted with Whirlwind engine.

$44,785.40

Eventually Watanabe (later Kyūshū) developed the K10W1 intermediate trainer referencing NA-16-4.
The photo is of K10W1.

On May 6, 1937, the Japanese Navy purchased 1 Fairchild 91B Jungle Clipper (A-942-B) amphibious transport plane fitted with Cyclone engine.

$80,530.00

It was evaluated by the Navy with the experimental designation LXF1, but wrecked in a landing accident.

On June 26, 1937, the Japanese Navy purchased 1 Canadian Car & Foundry G-23 Goblin two-seat carrier fighter fitted with Cyclone engine.

$43,750.00

A Canadian-produced variant of the US Grumman FF.
The Japanese Navy evaluated it as the AXG1.
The photo is of an RCAF Goblin.

On July 17, 1937, the Japanese Army purchased 1 Ranger V-770 engine.

$6,268.33

This was an air-cooled, 12-cylinder, inverted-V aircraft engine.

On February 9, 1939, the Japanese Army purchased 1 Kellett KD-1A autogyro.

$27,452.70

When damaged during Army trials, it was repaired by Kayaba. The results were good, so the domestic model 'Ka-Gō' was produced and serviced.
The photo is of YG-1B, a US Army model of KD-1A.

On July 7, 1937, the Japanese Army purchased the manufacturing license and 1 Vought V-143 fighter fitted with Twin Wasp Junior engine, plus 1 spare engine.

Plane & Spare Engine $105,000.00

Not credited for high performance, the structure was studied. Also inspected by the Navy.

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