KI-43 ?

[VA5124]

What is everyones opinions on the KI-43 i dont know enough about it to form one so im trying to learn

 

[GrauGeist]

The KI-43 was close to the A6M in many respects and a formidible adversary early in the Pacific war.

 

[VA5124]

The KI-43 was close to the A6M in many respects and a formidible adversary early in the Pacific war.

Why no cannon though ? i dont understand that part the zero had them

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Maneuverable as allgetout, but lightly armed. Seems it relied more upon pilot skill than design.

 

[VA5124]

Maneuverable as allgetout, but lightly armed. Seems it relied more upon pilot skill than design.

That was my next question where are the cannon the zero had them

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

That was my next question where are the cannon the zero had them

I'd imagine that was a design trade-off, but I'm not very educated in the -43.

 

[GrauGeist]

Initially, the KI-43 was a follow-on to the KI-27, which itself had good success armed with only two MGs.

Once the war started in earnest, they (the IJA) soon found out that the two 7.7mms were not adequate and started a series of modifications.

Keep in mind that virtually all fighters in the world, through the late 30's, were armed with at least two MGs in a variant of the .30 caliber range.

 

[VA5124]

I'd imagine that was a design trade-off, but I'm not very educated in the -43.

I think id rather lose a bit of turning and gain a little weight then not have firepower

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I think id rather lose a bit of turning and gain a little weight then not have firepower

That's my sense as well, but we have to remember that Japanese engines weren't all that hefty and their designers had to scrimp on weight where they could.

 

[VA5124]

That's my sense as well, but we have to remember that Japanese engines weren't all that hefty and their designers had to scrimp on weight where they could.

Yeah engine weight can be a problem

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Yeah engine weight can be a problem

I was getting more at the Japanese valuing maneuverability and range over weapons or armor, on the limitations they were working with.

They sure made good use of it even with its light armament. Many of the Allied reports from CBI and Indonesia regarding fighting "Zeroes" were actually reporting about Oscars.

 

[VA5124]

I was getting more at the Japanese valuing maneuverability and range over weapons or armor, on the limitations they were working with.

They sure made good use of it even with its light armament. Many of the Allied reports from CBI and Indonesia regarding fighting "Zeroes" were actually reporting about Oscars.

Do they look enough alike to get them mixed up

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Do they look enough alike to get them mixed up

Right, now be doing 200 mph in a furball and give a good ID. They can be and were confused.

 

[Greg Boeser]

Radial engine, low wing monoplane, fully glazed canopy, meatballs on wings. Yup, it's a Zero.
But then again. Biplane, open cockpit. Large central float, meatballs on wings. Yup. It's a Zero.

 

[VA5124]

Right, now be doing 200 mph in a furball and give a good ID. They can be and were confused.

I rather not try that i think they were hurt by engine power too they didnt have the boost of something like a r-2800 or 9 cyl wright

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

I rather not try that i think they were hurt by engine power too they didnt have the boost of something like a r-2800 or 9 cyl wright

I don't think there's much denying that they did well with what they had.

 

[VA5124]

I don't think there's much denying that they did well with what they had.

Im not they made good planes im not saying they didnt

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Im not they made good planes im not saying they didnt

Didn't mean to come pushy, sorry if I did.

 

[VA5124]

Didn't mean to come pushy, sorry if I did.

Sorry kinda stressing truck race is on

 

[Thumpalumpacus]

Sorry kinda stressing truck race is on

Relax and watch 'em wreck.