Fuji LM-1 Nikko

The Fuji LM-1 Nikko is a Japanese light communications aircraft of the 1950s.

LM-1 Nikko
Airworthy Fuji LM-1 Nikko of 1955 in JGSDF markings at Lakeland, Florida, in April 2009
Role military communications aircraft
National origin Japan
Manufacturer Fuji Heavy Industries
First flight 6 June 1955
Introduction 1955
Primary user Japanese Air Self-Defense Force
Number built 27
Developed from Beech T-34 Mentor
Variants Fuji KM-2
RTAF-2

Development

Fuji Heavy Industries built 176 Beech T-34 Mentor two-seat training aircraft under licence in the early 1950s. Fuji then redesigned the basic Mentor as a four-seat communications aircraft under the designation LM-1. A new lengthened centre fuselage was added to the Mentor's wing, undercarriage and tail assembly. 27 LM-1s were produced during 1955/56.[1]

Operational history

The LM-1s were delivered to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and were used for communications and general duties.[2] After withdrawal from operation, several LM-1s were sold on the U.S. civil market and are flown by civil pilots as "warbirds".[3]

Variants
LM-1
four-seat communications aircraft with 225 h.p. (168 kW) Continental engine (27 built)
LM-2
higher-powered version with 340 h.p. (254 kW) Lycoming engine (2 built)
RTAF-2
a variant developed in Thailand by Thai Aviation Industry.[4]
LM-11 Supernikko
A proposed more powerful version of the LM-1 powered by a 240 hp (180 kW) Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 engine;[5] became the LM-2.

Specifications (LM-1)

Data from Green, 1956, p. 86

General characteristics

  • Crew: 1
  • Capacity: 3 passengers
  • Length: 25 ft 11 in (7.90 m)
  • Wingspan: 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m)
  • Height: 9 ft 7 in (3.63 m)
  • Wing area: 177.6 ft2 (16.50 m2)
  • Empty weight: 2,234 lb (1,013 kg)
  • Gross weight: 3,375 lb (1,531 kg)
  • Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-470 6-cylinder horizontally opposed air-cooled, 225 hp (168 kW)

Performance

  • Maximum speed: 185 mph (298 km/h)
  • Cruise speed: 157 mph (253 km/h)
  • Service ceiling: 17,388 ft (5,300 m)

References
Notes
  1. Green, 1956, p. 86
  2. Green, 1956, P. 86
  3. Simpson, 2001, p. 246
  4. Forsgren, John. "Aircraft Production in Thailand". Aeroflight.co.uk. 20 November 2004. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
  5. Bridgman 1958, p. 201
Bibliography
  • Bridgman, Leonard (1958). Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1958–59. London: Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd.
  • Green, William (1956). The Aircraft of the World. Macdonald & Co (Publishers) Ltd.
  • Simpson, Rod (2001). Airlife's World Aircraft. Airlife Publishing Ltd. ISBN 1-84037-115-3.
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