Developed from the KDA-6 private venture reconnaissance prototype, the Kawasaki Ki-3 was designed by German engineer Richard Vogt, who later became chief designer for Blohm und Voss. The first Ki-3 flew in March 1933 and featured an unusual annular cowling with a nose radiator, but production aircraft had a more normal chin radiator. It entered Japanese Army service as the Type 93, 203 being built by Kawasaki and a further 40 by Tachikawa. It was a rugged aircraft, but the Ki-3's liquid-cooled engine was a constant source of trouble. The Ki-3 first saw service with the 6th Composite Air Regiment in Korea. The type, which was Japan's last biplane bomber, saw action in China.