Kyushu Kugisho MXY-6 (oz16984)

About this Plan

Kyushu Kugisho MXY-6. Free flight scale model for rubber power.

Direct submission to Outerzone.

Quote: "Kyushu Kugisho MXY-6.

In 1943, the IJN issued a specification for a new interceptor. Kyushu submitted a design with canard foreplanes, the J7W Shinden. Despite some opposition to the design, the IJN was intrigued enough to accept the proposal. However, the design had to show promise and the canard configuration needed to be proven before the IJN would authorise further development. Therefore, Kyushu designed a glider based on their Shinden concept to test the canard properties and handling.

To meet the IJN requirements of 1943, (18-shi-Otsu non-official specification) calling for a land-based, high-performance interceptor able to counter the new Allied fighters, Nakajima proposed the twin engine J5N1 Tenrai and Kawasaki the J6K1 Jinpu. Early in 1943 Lieutenant Commander Masaoki Tsuruno, of the First Naval Air Technical Arsenal, proposed the construction of a 18-shi-Otsu ‘canard’ fighter based on the information obtained on the Curtiss XP-55.

The Kaigun Koku Hombu ordered the firm Chigasaki Seizo K.K. the construction of three wooden experimental gliders MXY6, with ‘canard’ lifting surfaces, to prove the feasibility of the concept. Glider tests, towed by one Nakajima B5N bomber, began at Yokosuka in the fall of 1943, demonstrating good flight characteristics. One of the prototypes was finally fitted with a 22 hp Nihon Semi Ha-90/11 four-cylinder-boxer, air-cooled engine, driving a two-bladed wooden airscrew from a Kugisho MXY4 anti-aircraft target.

In 1945 the MXY6 was proposed to the IJN as a prototype suicide plane, but the project was not carried out because of the priority given to the construction of the Showa Toka bomber.
MXY6 3rd prototype technical data(with engine)
Wingspan: 9.14 m, length: 7.3 m, height: 2.95 m, wing area: 17 sq. m, max weight: 500 kg, max speed: 320 kph.

CONSTRUCTION:
WING:
The wing is constructed using the Dave Rees’ sliced rib method. For more details on this technique check out Mike Stuart’s great tutorial on his site. Here’s a link: https://www.ffscale.co.uk/rees.htm Use the wood dimensions as noted on the plan.

CANARD: The canard is made from solid 3/32” sheet. Canards can be vunerable in hard landings so the solid canard panels have a bit more chance of survival. Sand the wing panels to an airfoil shape and when mounting I recommend starting with a 4 degree positive incidence. I was going to mount the canard panels using a socket and toothpick shaft ½” in length. Drill a socket in the wing panel and glue the toothpick in the panel, leaving the toothpick ¼” for insertion into the fuselage. I planned on using thin steel “E” guitar string wire to add adjustment to the canard panel. A small “L” shaped piece anchored in the canard panel and sticking past the trailing edge. This wire can be taped to the fuselage holding the panel in place for trimming. Make an identical set up on the opposite canard panel.

VERTICAL TWIN STABS: The twin vertical stabs are using sheet 1/16” hard balsa. The grain needs to run vertically as well. The slot for the stab to mount to the wing needs to be trimmed slowly to fit the wing airfoil as close to perfect as possible. Take your time. Sand the edges rounded and smooth. You may want to add a strip to the top of the airfoil for the stab to adhere to.

The original 3 prototypes were gliders but later the V3 had an air-cooled horizontally apposed 4 cylinder engine added as noted above. You can make a fake motor and drill and bush it with a brass tube for a prop block, or just add a prop to the rear of the fuselage making the spinner looking aerodynamic rear of the fuselage as a spinner. The choice is yours .

GEAR STRUTS AND WHEELS: The struts can be made of music wire and covered with balsa or made of shaved bamboo with a 1/16” dowel between the wheels.

The wheels are made by sandwiching balsa discs/rings cross grain to lmake wheesl with straight pin axels. Your creativity has no limits in this area.

Enjoy,
Tom Akery/Sky9pilot
Thanks again to Steve and Mary for their superb site!"

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