Fuji LM-1 Nikko explained
The Fuji LM-1 Nikko is a Japanese light communications aircraft of the 1950s.
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 1955-1956.
Operational history
The LM-1s were delivered to the Japanese Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and were used for communications and general duties. After withdrawal from operation, several LM-1s were sold on the U.S. civil market and are flown by civil pilots as "warbirds".
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.[1]
- LM-11 Supernikko: A proposed more powerful version of the LM-1 powered by a Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 engine; became the LM-2.
References
- Notes
Bibliography
- Book: Bridgman, Leonard . Jane's All the World's Aircraft 1958–59 . 1958 . Sampson Low, Marston & Company, Ltd. . London .
- Book: Green, William. The Aircraft of the World. 1956. Macdonald & Co (Publishers) Ltd.
- Book: Simpson, Rod. Airlife's World Aircraft. 2001. Airlife Publishing Ltd. 1-84037-115-3.
Notes and References
- Forsgren, John. "Aircraft Production in Thailand". Aeroflight.co.uk. 20 November 2004. Retrieved 3 January 2015.
