Fuji LM-1 Nikko
# Fuji LM-1 Nikko

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.

### LM-11 Supernikko

    A proposed more powerful version of the LM-1 powered by a 240 hp (180 kW) Lycoming GSO-480-B1A6 engine; became the LM-2.

## Specifications (LM-1)

Data from Green, 1956, p. 86

General characteristics

* Crew: 1
* Capacity: 3 passengers
* Length: 25 ft 11 in (7.90 m)
* Wingspan: 32 ft 9 in (9.98 m)
* Height: 9 ft 7 in (3.63 m)
* Wing area: 177.6 sq ft (16.50 $m^2)$
* Empty weight: 2,234 lb (1,013 kg)
* Gross weight: 3,375 lb (1,531 kg)
* Powerplant: 1 × Continental O-470 6-cylinder horizontally opposed air-cooled , 225 hp (168 kW)

Performance

* Maximum speed: 185 mph (298 km/h, 161 kn)
* Cruise speed: 157 mph (253 km/h, 136 kn)
* Service ceiling: 17,388 ft (5,300 m)
