Kugisho R2Y2 Keiun experimental concept jet

[Isaac]

As stated earlier, this is a concept jet converted by the Japanese late in 1945 to a jet plane. The propeller version did fly and was rejected as there was no need for a reconnaissance aircraft. So it was decided to convert the design to a jet bomber. The version being built here is merely an addition of a jet engine under each wing with added fuel tanks in the fuselage where the original internal combustion engines resided ( yes it was twin engined prop plane ).

In my technical opinion, this plane would have been a "dog". Big rotund fuselage with two small jet engines and nothing else is like converting a horse drawn carriage into a food delivery truck. It just can't be done.

There was another proposal of installing the two engines at the wing roots. While that would have been a better concept in drag reduction, the inlet technology and long air ducts for the axial flow engines was lacking in Japan at that time.






This project was just doomed to failure and there were better technical solutions for a jet bomber even then. But it makes for a good topic of experimental planes and most likely would have flown if it had another year for development.

All speculation, but fun discussion.


Isaac

[Isaac]

This is a digital kit and as such shows good design layout and should have good fitting parts.

The color selection is purely speculative since this plane was never built. It is the usual green on top, grey on the bottom and a big Hinomaru ( red circle representing the sun ) with a square white background on the fuselage.

The model is modified by Marek from his prop version R2Y1 with the addition of the jet engines, modified nose and elimination of the engine exhausts.


however, the cockpit in my opinion should have been modified. Primarily, there would not have been the center prop shaft cover going thru since there were no props up front. So that feature would have been eliminated.

Regarding the instruction figures, those were helpful. However, some more details would have been helpful.

Here are some pages







Isaac

[Isaac]

Here are the fuselage sections ready for assembly.


Notice the center section. It is not a closed part and will rely on internal framing later on to connect the forward and aft section.


One detail in the area around the cockpit opening. There are 4 windows that are carried over from the propeller driven recon version. However as a jet bomber, those would have been eliminated.



I just covered the blue windows with thin sheet of a spare printout.



Isaac

[Isaac]

simple rounded parts. Nothing unusual here.



Isaac

[MacSongLi]

Great start Isaac. It's a very unique aircraft.


Gary

[Isaac]

Nose section on this jet version modified the propeller and spinner from the original model. ( easy conversion by Marek ).



Here it is short of the cockpit.



Isaac

[Isaac]

As I stated earlier, this jet version of the propeller riven jet did not need to have a tunnel/housing cover for the long prop shaft that ran thru the cockpit. However, the kit does not reflect it. So I eliminated that feature.


Here is the floor with covering where needed to remove the shaft cover.



and all the details provided.




The structure in back of the cockpit will be inserted to the center fuselage after it is joined to the nose, thus completing the cockpit.




the inner side walls




now the external fuselage skins




insert the cockpit and glue in place.



Note: after inserting the cockpit, I noted interference with the aft seat on the left ( where the observer sat in the recon version. However, this being a fast bomber, I doubt that the bombardier/navigator would seat in that cramped position. For now, I am not relocating it.



also, the pilot control wheel assembly is offset to the right side. On the prop version, that is needed since the prop shaft ran thru the center under the pilot seat. However, in my opinion, the jet version should have had it in front to the pilot using a stick.

........ since this is a concept plane, it did not go far in the design phase, so anything is possible as to the cockpit layout.


Isaac

[MacSongLi]

Nice work on the cockpit, Isaac. There's some nice detailing too.

Well done.
Gary

[Isaac]

Originally Posted by MacSongLi

Nice work on the cockpit, Isaac. There's some nice detailing too.

Well done.
Gary

Gary


I think the bright turquoise blue interior accents the cockpit.


Isaac

[MacSongLi]

Isaac,

Somebody please correct me if I am wrong, but I think the colour is aotake or aodake. It's a transparent or semi- transparent coating. Here's more information if anybody is interested: http://www.aviationofjapan.com/2010/...-part-one.html



Gary