Ho-103 ammunition belt

[greybeard]

Good morning gentlemen!

I got by Japanese sources number of rounds loaded on 12.7 mm machine gun as being 270, instead of 250, as reported by all western sources.

Indeed, Japanese Wiki lists three different loading (250, 270 and 350) in five items, whose Google translation repeats the word "dimorphism" and makes no sense.

I would be especially interested to Ki-43 and Ki-44 Ho-103 ammo loading.

Thanks for any help,
GB

 

[Shinpachi]

It says,

270発（一式戦二型）----------- 270 rounds (for Type 1 fighter = Ki-43 model 2)
250発（二式単戦二型丙）------- 250 rounds (for Type 2 fighter = Ki-44 model 2 hei)
250発（三式戦一型乙）--------- 250 rounds (for Type 3 fighter = Ki-61 model 1 otsu)
350発（四式戦一型甲）--------- 350 rounds (for Type 4 fighter = Ki-84 model 1 koh)
250発（五式戦一型）----------- 250 rounds (for Type 5 fighter = Ki-100 model 1)

 

[greybeard]

Oh, great! Thank you so much!

I've also following details about the Ki-43 and Ki-44:

"Ki-43-I-Otsu
* Type 89. 7.7mm MG x1 (Starboard) (bullets 500x1) in the fuselage
* Ho-103 12.7mm Cannon x1 (Port) (bullets 270x1) in the fuselage

Ki-44-I-Kou
* Type 89. 7.7mm MG x2 (bullets 500x2) in the fuselage
* Ho-103 12.7mm Cannon x2 (bullets 270 x2) in the wings

Ki-44-II-Kou
* Type 89. 7.7mm MG x2 (bullets 500x2) in the fuselage
* Ho-103 12.7mm Cannon x2 (bullets 270 x2) in the wings
---------------------
Ki-44-II-Otsu
* Ho-103 12.7mm Cannon x2 (bullets 270 x2) in the fuselage
** Ho-301 40mm Cannon x2 (bullets 9 x2)"

Please, do you think they are correct?

Cheers,
GB

 

[Shinpachi]

I think details will be like follows.
Bullets number for the Ho-301 should be up to 10 thinking the wing space.

 

[Hiromachi]

I can help here Shinpachi, even though I cant read Japanese (which I'm ashamed, because I really want to ) as luckily I have some manuals translated by the ATIS.

In regard to Ki-61 the maintenance manual titled "Ki-61 Handling Reference" published by Army Flight Test Department in 1942 for the prototype. I have indicates loads for a configuration with 2 x 12.7 mm machine cannons and 2 x 7.7 mm MG's (standard for Ki-61-I Ko) :
"Chapter III - Equipment
Section 1 - Armament

Number of rounds carried
Position Gun Type Rounds carried
Fixed fuselage machine cannons - Ho-103 fixed machine cannon - 600 rds
Fixed wing MG's - Type 89 Fixed MG - 1000 rounds

(Note: 1000 rounds may be carried for the machine cannons.)

I'd assume that maximum capacity of Ho-103 would be 500 rounds per gun in overload, especially as gun section indicates further :
"All necessary equipment such as magazine, link and cartridge chutes are installed. 1000 rounds are easily carried."
"The magazine are easily removed from or attached to the side of the fuselage. They hold 500 rounds each, and are constructed so that the ammunition can be pulled out of the top."

But standard load would be 300 rounds per gun (I guess).

What was the load of the wing mounted 12.7s I dont know, it is possible that its 250 rounds as most books and materials indicate.

 

[greybeard]

Thank you for your further info and appreciated comments.

Regards,
GB

 

[tomo pauk]

Good stuff, thanks people