Hi.
The japanese army was quite impressed by the experiences made by the german army using the Fi 156. So in September 1940 reqirements were given to Nippon Kokusai K. K. for a similar aircraft.
Maiden flight was made in May 1941. In June 1941 a Fi 156 reached Japan and several competitive tests were made. The Ki-76 was superiour in almost every regard.
Main differences were the engine (240 hp in-line to 310 hp radial) and the flaps (slotted flaps to Fowler flaps) giving the Ki-76 a higher speed and a higher lift coefficient.
So it was a different plane designed for the same job with some basic design features taken over from the Fi 156
By the way:
The Ki-76 was used besides the Ka-1 autogyro for anti-submarine warfare aboard Akitsu Maru.
Yours
tom!
