11. The Kawasaki KAT-1
I joined the service in 1954.
1950s: retired
Price: not specified
The Japanese military created the Kawasaki KAT-1 as a primary trainer. Only a few years were spent in flight after it was developed in 1954, giving it a brief career. There were only ever two constructed. One of Harley-Davidson’s main rivals, the motorcycle manufacturer, may come to mind when you hear the name Kawasaki.
shutterstock Kawasaki KAT-1
But Kawasaki is also a plane manufacturer. The KAT-1 was a monoplane with low wings. When it was designed, Kawasaki and Beech Mentor were vying for a contract with the Japanese Air Defense Force. Because of this, just two prototypes of the KAT-1 were produced; Beech was ultimately chosen as the prime contractor.
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