KI-43 ?
- Thread starter VA5124
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GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
The KI-43 was close to the A6M in many respects and a formidible adversary early in the Pacific war.
- Thread starter
- #3
Why no cannon though ? i dont understand that part the zero had them
Thumpalumpacus
Major
Maneuverable as allgetout, but lightly armed. Seems it relied more upon pilot skill than design.
- Thread starter
- #5
That was my next question where are the cannon the zero had them
Thumpalumpacus
Major
I'd imagine that was a design trade-off, but I'm not very educated in the -43.
GrauGeist
Generalfeldmarschall zur Luftschiff Abteilung
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.
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.
- Thread starter
- #8
I think id rather lose a bit of turning and gain a little weight then not have firepower
Thumpalumpacus
Major
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.
- Thread starter
- #10
Yeah engine weight can be a problem
Thumpalumpacus
Major
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.
- Thread starter
- #12
Do they look enough alike to get them mixed up
Thumpalumpacus
Major
Right, now be doing 200 mph in a furball and give a good ID. They can be and were confused.
Greg Boeser
2nd Lieutenant
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.
But then again. Biplane, open cockpit. Large central float, meatballs on wings. Yup. It's a Zero.
- Thread starter
- #15
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
Major
I don't think there's much denying that they did well with what they had.
- Thread starter
- #17
Im not they made good planes im not saying they didnt
Thumpalumpacus
Major
Didn't mean to come pushy, sorry if I did.
- Thread starter
- #19
Sorry kinda stressing truck race is on
Thumpalumpacus
Major
Relax and watch 'em wreck.
