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Hitachi Hatsukaze 11, Ha 11 Model 11, Inverted In-line 4 Engine, 1941
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Hitachi Hatsukaze 11, Ha 11 Model 11, Inverted In-line 4 Engine, 1941
The Japanese conglomerate Hitachi manufactured aircraft engines from about 1929 until the end of World War II, with a concentration on low-power seven and nine cylinder radials and inverted inline fours. The Hitachi Aircraft Company was formed in 1939 to take over the aircraft and aero-engine branches of the Tokyo Gasu Denki K.K. or Tokyo Gas & Electric Co. Ltd. Many, if not most, Japanese military trainers were powered by Hitachi copies of German designed Hirth air-cooled inline engines. The Hitachi Hatsukaze powered the Kyushu K9W1 (Allied Code Name Cypress) Navy Type 2 Primary Trainer Model 11, and the similar Army version Kokusai Ki-86, Type 4 Primary Trainer aircraft. The engine was a derivative, licensed copy of the Hirth HM-504A, which powered the Bucker Bu 131 Jungmann aircraft. There were 541 Hatsukaze engines built during World War II between 1941 and 1943
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Media ID 23877559
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Air And Space Museum Air Transport Aircraft Aviation Engine Flight Nasm National Air And Space Museum Propulsion Propulsion Reciprocating Rotary Reciprocating Motion Rotary Engine 2nd World War Second World War World War 2 World War Two
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases the remarkable Hitachi Hatsukaze 11, Ha 11 Model 11 engine from 1941. During World War II, the Japanese conglomerate Hitachi played a significant role in manufacturing aircraft engines. With a focus on low-power seven and nine cylinder radials as well as inverted inline fours, their expertise was highly sought after. The formation of the Hitachi Aircraft Company in 1939 marked a pivotal moment as it took over the aircraft and aero-engine branches of Tokyo Gas & Electric Co. Ltd. Many Japanese military trainers relied on Hitachi's versions of German designed Hirth air-cooled inline engines for power. The featured Hatsukaze engine powered both the Navy Type 2 Primary Trainer Model 11, known as Cypress by Allied forces, and its Army counterpart Kokusai Ki-86 Type 4 Primary Trainer aircraft. Derived from a licensed copy of the Hirth HM-504A engine that propelled Bucker Bu 131 Jungmann planes, there were an impressive total of 541 Hatsukaze engines built between 1941 and 1943. Displayed at the National Air and Space Museum (NASM), this photograph captures not only an engineering marvel but also represents Japan's contribution to aviation during one of history's most turbulent periods. The intricate details showcased in this image highlight the craftsmanship involved in creating such powerful propulsion systems for wartime aircraft. As we admire this piece at NASM's Heritage Art collection, we are reminded of how technology evolved rapidly during World War II and how different nations played crucial roles in advancing aviation capabilities for military purposes.
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