Ki-48 question

[Hoggardhigh]

Hi all,

Some sources claim that initial production of the Ki-48-II series differed from the preceding Ki-48-I series only in featuring a lengthened fuselage, updated engines, and extra armor protection. However, others state that the Ki-48-II series also featured reinforcement of the fuselage.

Which of these statements is true? Does anyone know if ALL production Ki-48 models were structurally the same apart from the Ki-48-II's longer fuselage?

Thanks

 

[Shinpachi]

I haven't heard of the longer fuselage but am curious if truly existed.
"Mechanic of World Aircraft vol 2" tells the basic difference between the model I and the model II ko(A) is the engine.
Its following model II otsu(B) is a reinforced version of the ko(A) equipped with the dive-brake to be used as a dive bomber.
Measurements show all same in the list.

Spec list based on the army manual which was edited by Takeo Doi- Ki48 designer of Kawasaki Aircraft in December 1943.

Appearances of the model II otsu(B) as a dive bomber.

 

[Wurger]

 

[Hoggardhigh]

I haven't heard of the longer fuselage but am curious if truly existed.
"Mechanic of World Aircraft vol 2" tells the basic difference between the model I and the model II ko(A) is the engine.
Its following model II otsu(B) is a reinforced version of the ko(A) equipped with the dive-brake to be used as a dive bomber.
Measurements show all same in the list.

Spec list based on the army manual which was edited by Takeo Doi- Ki48 designer of Kawasaki Aircraft in December 1943.
View attachment 375217

Appearances of the model II otsu(B) as a dive bomber.
View attachment 375218

What do you mean by, "reinforced"?

 

[Shinpachi]

1. Added bomb racks for the 250kgs x2 or 500kgs x 1.
2. Added armors in the cockpit and the fuel tanks.
3. Replaced 7.7mm machine guns with more powerful 12.7mm Ho-103 cannons.
4. and other minor structural improvements as a dive bomber like the diagram shows.

 

[Capt. Vick]

Great info! Thanks Shin!

 

[Old Wizard]

 

[Graeme]

I haven't heard of the longer fuselage but am curious if truly existed.

That's interesting. I keep seeing a 6" difference in sources. A myth?
It ain't much - but you can do a lot with 6".

 

[Graeme]

However, others state that the Ki-48-II series also featured reinforcement of the fuselage.
Thanks

I've only read where there was a bad tail flutter problem with the early prototypes and as a result the rear fuselage was strengthened for all production Lilly's - so no extra fuselage strengthening for the II series as the problem was solved.

 

[Shinpachi]

That's interesting. I keep seeing a 6" difference in sources. A myth?
It ain't much - but you can do a lot with 6".
View attachment 375259

I haven't seen such numbers for the length but the prototype might have been shorter though this is just my guess.
Thanks for your info, Graeme.