Koken Long-Range Prototype Plane (航研機) Part I - Take 3

The Koken Long-Range Prototype Plane (Koken-ki) is the only aircraft made in Japan that has ever set a world record certified by the FAI (Federation Aeronautique Internationale.) From May 13 through May 15 of 1938, it flew 11,651 km at a circuit course around Tokyo.

This series of videos is going to consist of 3 parts.

For further info about the legendary aircraft, please visit our Cyber Museum commemorating Mineo Yamamoto, my late father and one of the key members of the Koken Project.

If you want to see the rest of the rare film, you may want to visit this URL:
http://www.yamafami.com/cm/koukenki/record.html

If you are interested in knowing some insider's story related to the plane, please visit my political blog here:
http://www.tokyofreepress.com/article.php?story=2009032907090250

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• aviation
• japan
• 日本
• 航空
• 航研機
• 長距離
• 世界記録
• koken
• aircraft
• long
• range
• world
• record

[Yu1Yam]

Jack: I posted my reply to your comment in a wrong way. Anyhow, many thanks once again.

[Yu1Yam]

Jack, I was so impressed to know you don't sound like an aviation layman despite the fact your area of expertise lies somewhere else. I all the more appreciate your comment about what my dad and his colleagues accomplished 70 years ago.

[deaforganist001]

Yu. Lets see:

12 cylinder engine in a V-block. Remarkable for 1938. Water cooled.

Fuel heavier than the plane.

It was a huge project, one of the largest anywhere. Your research & development films show that it was well financed. That took courage at a time and a place where food was very hard to get.

Lots of aluminum when aluminum was scarce. Special, uncommon wing structure covered by fabric.

This is an amazing set of videos. There is much to learn here. Thanks very much!