Abstract
The Engine department of the Gas-Den, predecessor of the Hino Motors, Ltd. was reorganized as the Tokyo Automobile Industries Co. and the Hitachi Aero plane Co. in 1937 and 1939 respectively. In 1938, Japanese Navy ordered the production of German trainer "Biicker Jungman" to Kyushu Aero plane Co. and of its engine "Hirth HM504" to Gas-Den Co. respectively based on a license agreement. Although the Gas-Den (Hitachi) produced more than 1300 engines under the name of "Hatsukaze (First Wing)" for both Japanese Navy and also Army, but it was completely redesigned by Gas-Den. Its unique design was based on Gas-Den's own know-how and production technology. Hino Motors restored it by its original engine that was preserved in Hamamatsu base of Japanese Self Defense Air Force. This paper describes structure of "Hatsukaze" with comparison of original "Hirth HM504" and philosophy of technology transfer.
