Ki-45 otsu

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VTOL | Rank 5 USA
AV-8A Harrier Pack
This page is about the Japanese twin-engine fighter Ki-45 otsu. For other versions, see Ki-45 (Family).
Ki-45 otsu
ki-45_otsu.png
GarageImage Ki-45 otsu.jpg
ArtImage Ki-45 otsu.jpg
Ki-45 otsu
AB RB SB
1.7 2.3 2.7
Research:2 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ki-45 otsu Toryu is a rank I Japanese twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 1.7 (AB), 2.3 (RB), and 2.7 (SB). It was introduced in Update 1.31.

Being a classed as a heavy fighter, the Ki-45 isn't the best in the manoeuvrability department. However, for a heavy fighter, it manoeuvres very well. It is even capable of out-turning aircraft such as the P-47D-25. Unlike heavy fighters of other nations, the Ki-45 series does not feature aircraft with large amounts of heavy weaponry. This is a major downside, considering how heavy fighters traditionally give up manoeuvrability and speed for armament. Instead, the Ki-45s utilise more of a balance between manoeuvrability, speed, and armament. These are what makes the Ki-45 both a capable dogfighter, and bomber hunter.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 300 m570 km/h
Turn time24 s
Max altitude9 900 m
Engine2 х Mitsubishi Ha-102
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,300 m)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 551 533 9900 24.9 25.5 16.4 16.4 520
Upgraded 593 570 23.2 24.0 23.1 19.5

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
712.5 350 450 444 308 ~11 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 320 < 450 > 330

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural713 km/h
Gear350 km/h
  • 16 mm Steel plates behind the pilot

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB164 → 213 Sl icon.png
RB363 → 473 Sl icon.png
SB509 → 663 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 460 Rp icon.png
2 690 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost300 Ge icon.png
Crew training600 Sl icon.png
Experts2 100 Sl icon.png
Aces45 Ge icon.png
Research Aces110 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
10 / 30 / 60 % Sl icon.png
100 / 100 / 100 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_turret_belt_pack
Research:
300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
180 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
mg15_turret_new_gun
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type94_belt_pack
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_belt_pack
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
type94_new_gun
Research:
280 Rp icon.png
Cost:
170 Sl icon.png
60 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
ho103_new_gun
Research:
480 Rp icon.png
Cost:
290 Sl icon.png
100 Ge icon.png

Instead of focusing on armament like other heavy fighters, the Ki-45 is more balanced between armament and flight performance. While the default ammunition belts for both weapons on the Ki-45 ko are workable, it can help to upgrade. Unlocking the flight performance modules will help drastically in dogfights and turn fights.

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 137 mm Type 94 cannon
Ammunition16 rounds
Fire rate18 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine gun
Ammunition700 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min

The Ki-45 otsu is armed with:

  • 1 x 37 mm Type 94 cannon, belly-mounted (16 rpg)
  • 2 x 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine guns, nose-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)

Defensive armament

Turret7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun
Ammunition1050 rounds
Fire rate1000 shots/min
Main article: Type 98 (7.92 mm)

The Ki-45 otsu is defended by:

  • 1 x 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,050 rpg)

Usage in battles

This variant of the Ki-45, the Ki-45 otsu, features the first "hard-hitting" armament of the series. Wielding two Ho-103 12.7 mm guns and one 37 mm Type 94 cannon, the Ki-45 otsu is the pinnacle of a multi-purpose aircraft. Its 37 mm cannon allows it to take down bombers with ease, and its nose-mounted 12.7 mm guns allows for some flexibility in the dogfighting department. Although deadly, the 37 mm cannon only holds 16 rounds, so shot placement is crucial. The round itself also travels fairly slowly in the air, making it hard to hit fast moving enemy fighters. The 12.7 mm guns is best used in an anti-fighter role. Fortunately, the Ki-45 otsu can also be used in an anti-tank role, thanks to the AP rounds for the 37 mm cannon (42 mm penetration), which can take out light and medium tanks, light pillboxes, and even a few player controlled tanks. The Ki-45 is unable to equip bombs.

The Ki-45 otsu also retains its impressive turn rate from the Ki-45 ko. Although the aircraft itself is large and presents an "easy target" in many players' minds, the Ki-45 is rather nimble. Use this to your advantage when engaging enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the Ki-45 is a heavy fighter, meaning its turn time is still not on par with other aircraft such as the F2A-3. In certain cases, the Ki-45 pilot may have to rely on his or her tail gunner to get the job done. The "otsu" version of the Ki-45 features a 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun with 1,050 rounds. Although lacklustre, with shot placement it is possible to destroy enemies on the aircraft's tail. Aim for the pilot or the engine, as those are generally the weakest points on most aircraft. If the tailing enemy is a biplane, aim for the wings since they are very fragile.

The Toryu is also rather fragile for a heavy fighter. Although it does feature two engines, the Ki-45 does not have very much armour protection. Only the back of the pilot's seat has armour, leaving both the gunner and engines unprotected. This can prove costly in a fight. If one does find him or herself tailed, call upon teammates for assistance.

  • In simulator, the Ki-45 has a decent frontal view with large pieces of glass in front, on top and to the sides, ensuring great visibility. The gunsight has enough room under, allowing easy tracking and leading of targets. However the side views are terrible as the wings & engines block out most of the view downwards, and a thick frame blocks out the upper area, as a result the common way of circling above an area to spot something is extremely limited. Rear visibility is almost non existent with the entire tail obstructed by the headset.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Controllable
Auto control available
Separate Controllable
2 gears
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly powerful 37 mm cannon
  • Armour piercing (42 mm penetration) shots for anti-tank purposes
  • Good manoeuvrability and climb rate for a heavy fighter
  • Acceptable top speed
  • 16.5 mm of armour in pilot's seat
  • Two engine design

Cons:

  • Beat in turn fights by some aircraft
  • Prone to fuel and engine fires
  • Locks up at high speeds
  • Mediocre roll rate, gets worse as speed increases
  • Limited ammunition for all weapons
  • Lack of protection around fuel tanks, engines, and gunner
  • Long cannon reload
  • Pilot is exposed in head-ons

History

Initially designed to be a bomber escort, the Ki-45 was first deployed in what is now China and Vietnam. It was found to be easily outclassed by P-40s piloted by the Flying Tigers. As a result, the Ki-45's role was changed to anti-shipping and ground attack, where it performed satisfactorily. Nonetheless, the Ki-45's greatest strength proved to be its bomber intercepting capabilities. Heavily armed with 37 mm cannon, the Toryu (Dragon Slayer) could destroy heavy bombers with ease. As the war progressed, the need for an interceptor to defend the Japanese mainland was ever present. Soon, the Ki-45 was deployed to counter B-29 Superfortress raids. Although its armament was clearly deadly enough, the Ki-45 suffered at high altitudes. Pilots soon resorted to ramming attacks against the Superfortresses. Special attack groups specifically designed for this purpose formed, but by late 1945 Imperial Japan's fate had been sealed. The Allies allocated the name "Nick" to the Ki-45.


Archive of the in-game description

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAI Otsu (Model B) Type 2 Toryu (Allied reporting name: Nick) twin-engine army fighter

Combat experience showed that the Toryu was particularly good as a ground-attack aircraft for striking ground and surface targets. In order to improve the effective use of the Ki-45 for anti-ship and ground attack tasks, the special Ki-45 KAI Otsu version was launched into full-scale production.

Aircraft of this version were equipped with new Mitsubishi Ha-102 fourteen-cylinder, radial air-cooled engines producing a takeoff power of 1,080 hp. These engines were housed in nacelles which had a smaller diameter when compared to previous versions. The aircraft's flight characteristics remained unchanged, since the increased engine power was accompanied by a larger takeoff weight; however, the improved reliability of the Ha-102 engines was appreciated by flying and maintenance personnel.

The aircraft's armament was drastically reinforced. The nose-mounted 12.7 mm machine guns were replaced by one 20 mm Ho-3 cannon with 50 rounds. The ventral nacelle housed a 37 mm Type 94 manually loaded cannon with 16 rounds. The 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun with 1,050 rounds remained in the rear defensive turret.

The installation of the new front armament meant changing the shape of the nose fairing, and additional access doors were cut in the skin. The landing headlight was moved from the nose section to the left wing leading edge.

The Ki-45 KAI Otsu was used extensively to attack various ground and surface targets.


Media

Skins

See also

Related development

External links

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • other literature.


Kawasaki Aircraft Industries (川崎航空機工業株式会社)
Biplane Fighters  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Fighters  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Interceptors  Ki-45 ko · Ki-45 otsu · Ki-45 hei · Ki-45 tei
  Ki-96
  Ki-102 otsu
  Ki-108 Kai
Bombers  Ki-32
  Ki-48-II otsu
Captured  ␗Ki-45 hei/tei · ␗Ki-61-I otsu · ▃Ki-61-Ib
See also  Kawasaki Shipyard Co.

Japan twin-engine fighters and strike aircraft
Navy 
Land-based Fighter 
J1N  J1N1
J5N  J5N1
Army 
Ki-45  Ki-45 ko · Ki-45 otsu · Ki-45 hei · Ki-45 tei
Ki-83  Ki-83
Ki-96  Ki-96
Ki-102  Ki-102 otsu
Ki-108  Ki-108 Kai
Ki-109  Ki-109