The original LM/KM series aircraft were four-seat developments of the Beech T-34A Mentor, the first flying in 1955, and large numbers were delivered to the JMSDF and JGSDF for liaison and training. A tandem two-seat derivative of the Beech T-34 with a Lycoming IGSO-480-AIA6 piston engine entered production in the mid¬1970s as the KM-2B for the JMSDF, and later as the T-3 for the JASDF. Fuji in Japan flew the prototype (JA3725) of the KM-2B two-seat primary trainer on 26 September 1974; this development of the earlier KM-2 combined the airframe and powerplant of that aircraft with the tandem-seat cockpit arrangement of the Beech T-34A Mentor.
Ten KM-2 were ordered for the JMSDF, for delivery by February 1963. Further contracts were to follow, to replace the 45 North American SNJs (Harvards) then in naval service. The prototype KM-2 received its certificate of airworthiness February 1961.
Fuji has tested a company owned four-seat KM-2 utility aircraft with an Allison 250-B17 turboprop, under the designation KM-2D.
The first KM-2D, flown on 28 June 1984, was a straight conversion of a company-owned piston KM-2 retaining the original four-seat cabin structure.
The JMSDF considered re-engining its fleet of tandem-seat KM-2B trainers, but has now elected to purchase new-build KM¬2Kais, with the first funded in 1986/87. These will be turboprop powered, and will retain the tandem seating of the KM-2B. Deliveries are scheduled for 1988, to begin replacement of the oldest KM-2Bs.
The Japanese Maritime Self-Defence Force took delivery of the definitive turbo-prop powered KM-2D prototype (first flown on 27 April 1988) in August 1988 which was to be tested by the service until March 1989. This prototype, a conversion of a MSDF KM-2B, embodied extensive cabin redesign.
KM 2
Engine: Lycoming IGSO-480 A1A6, 340 hp.
Max speed: 227 mph (365 kph) at 16,400ft (5000 m)
Cruise, 183 mph (295 kph)
Initial climb, 1,560 fpm (7.92 m/sec)
Service ceiling, 29,200ft (8900 m)
Range, 765 mls (1235 km).
Empty weight, 2387 lb (1083 kg)
Loaded weight, 3,296 lb (1495 kg).
Span, 32 ft 9.75 in (10 m)
Length, 26 ft 0.75 in (7.95 m)
Wing area, 177.6 sq.ft (16.49 sq.m).
KM-2B
Engine: Lycoming IGSO-480.
T-3
Engine: Lycoming IGSO-480
T-5
Engine: Allison 250B-17D.
All Aero 