Prewar Japanese Aviation Nakajima Aircraft Founder Chikuhei Biography 1933
Published in 1933, this is a prewar Japanese biography of Chikuhei Nakajima, the founder of Nakajima Aircraft Company. Nakajima was involved in Japanese naval aviation from its very early years. After serving as a naval engineer and studying aviation, he established an aircraft research organization in 1917, which later developed into Nakajima Aircraft, one of Japan’s most important aircraft manufacturers. During World War II, Nakajima Aircraft became a major producer of Japanese military aircraft, including the Ki-43 Hayabusa “Oscar” and Ki-84 Hayate Frank. The famous A6M Zero Fighter was designed by Mitsubishi, but large numbers were also manufactured by Nakajima. Nakajima also produced the Sakae radial engine, which powered many Zero fighters. This small 40-page book was published in 1933-eight years before the attack on Pearl Harbor. That early date is one of its most interesting features: it presents Nakajima before his company became one of the giant aircraft manufacturers of wartime Japan. The book includes a portrait of Chikuhei Nakajima and describes his early life, naval engineering career, interest in aviation, aircraft development, the growth of Nakajima Aircraft, and his later political career. In other words, this is not a wartime aircraft manual. It is a contemporary prewar look at the man who helped build the Japanese aviation industry that would later produce many of Japan’s best-known military aircraft. There is age-related toning, staining, and wear. Please review the photographs carefully for condition. An interesting historical piece for collectors of Japanese military aviation, Nakajima Aircraft, Zero Fighter, Ki-43 Oscar, Ki-84 Frank, and prewar aviation history. Own a Piece of History. International Buyers – Please Note.