R.Mikesh, A.Shorzoe Japanese Aircraft, 1910-1941 (Putnam)

Hino No.3 and No.4

   Kamikaze-go Aeroplane Hino's efforts to construct a successful aeroplane continued while at Fukuoka. What became the Hino No.3 Aeroplane was actually a modification of an Iga Maitsuru-go. He first tested the aeroplane at Fukuoka on 20 April, 1912, with poor results, then modified it into a seaplane with 2.20m (7ft 2 1/2in) long floats. Giving the aeroplane the designation Hino No.3 Kai or No.4 Kamikaze-go, he made attempts to fly on 25 September, 1912, at Nezumijima Island near Nagasaki, but again, his aeroplane would not become airborne. Disappointed with three consecutive failures and being criticized for being distracted from his military responsibilities, Hino gave up his interest in aviation. His interest was rekindled and he created a tailess glider in 1937, the development of which was taken over by Kayaba Manufacturing Works (Kayaba Seisakusho) and then by Hidemasa Kimura of the Aeronautical Research Institute of Tokyo Imperial University. Designated HK-1 (Hino Kayaba), it was built by Itoh Aeroplane Co Ltd.
   Kumazo Hino, despite the lack of success with his early designs is looked upon as a major pioneer of japanese aviation. He died on 15 january, 1946, at his home in Azabu, Tokyo, at the age of 67.