Warplanes of Japan: Kawasaki Ki-108

Kawasaki Ki-108

 (IJAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-108 Experimental High Altitude fighter, codenamed Randy. The Ki-108 Kai was a Japanese twin-engine heavy fighter/interceptor prototype developed from the Ki-96 and Ki-102 models. It was designed to counter the high-altitude American bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress. It had a pressurized cockpit, a 37 mm nose cannon and two 20 mm chin cannons. It was powered by two Mitsubishi Ha-112-II Ru turbosupercharged radial engines. Only four Ki-108s were built and none saw combat before the end of the war.

Ki-108 High-altitude fighter prototype with pressurised cabin, two conversions from Ki-102 Otsu aircraft using the structural improvements used on the Ki-102 Hei.

Ki-108 KaiImproved version of the Ki-108 with longer fuselage and enlarged wings. Two built.

(IJAAF Photos)

Kawasaki Ki-108 Experimental High Altitude fighter

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