Difference between revisions of "Ki-102 otsu"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ki_102_otsu
 
|code=ki_102_otsu
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]]. The Allied reporting name for this aircraft was "Randy".
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''', designated (by personnel) as '''Type 4 Assault Aircraft ({{Annotation|四式襲撃機|Yon Shiki Shūgeki-ki}})''' was a Japanese twin-engine, two-seat, ground-attack aircraft that entered service in 1944. It was the main variant of the Ki-102, which was itself derived from the [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]. The Ki-102 otsu had a 57 mm cannon in the nose, two 20 mm cannons in the belly, and a 12.7 mm machine gun in the rear. It was designed to attack enemy ground targets with its powerful armament. The Ki-102 otsu saw limited action in the Okinawa campaign but was mostly kept in reserve to defend Japan from the expected Allied invasion.
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update 1.35]]. The Ki-102 otsu can be used in two ways: as its intended ground attacker role or as an ad-hoc bomber hunter. For ground attack, the Ki-102 otsu can destroy light and unarmoured targets with its 57 mm cannon, then return to base or use its 20 mm guns for more targets or self-defense. It also has a 12.7 mm rear gun to fend off enemy fighters. For bomber hunting, the Ki-102 otsu can fire its 57 mm cannon from a distance or get close and unleash its 20 mm guns on large and heavy bombers. The 57 mm cannon is powerful but inaccurate, so it is better to fire single shots than bursts. The Ki-102 otsu should avoid the gunner fire of the bombers and attack from a safe angle.
 +
 
 +
;Nicknames
 +
* Allied reporting name: ''Randy''.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
=== Flight performance ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
<!--
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 
  
−
The {{PAGENAME}} has a decent speed advantage over most enemy planes in a straight line or dive and very good climb rate. The climb rate is typically better than almost every aircraft it will come up to combat against. As with most Japanese heavy fighters, it is a very fast aircraft. The aircraft is as manoeuvrable as you would expect from a heavy fighter, though quite sluggish in a turn compared to a single engine aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} has good acceleration in a dive due to its two powerful engines and increased weight and decent acceleration when travelling in a straight line.  
+
The {{PAGENAME}} has a decent speed advantage over most enemy planes in a straight line or dive and very good climb rate. The climb rate is typically better than almost every aircraft it will come up against. As with most Japanese heavy fighters, it is a very fast aircraft. The aircraft is as manoeuvrable as you would expect from a heavy fighter, though quite sluggish in a turn compared to a single engine aircraft. The {{PAGENAME}} has good acceleration in a dive due to its two powerful engines and increased weight and decent acceleration when travelling in a straight line.
  
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
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|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
−
| 608 || 580 || 23.6 || 24.5 || 24.9 || 19.5  
+
| 608 || 580 || 23.6 || 24.5 || 24.9 || 19.5
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 460 || 460 || 260 || ~9 || ~7
+
| 762 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~9 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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|-
 
|-
 
| < 360 || < 400 || < 400 || > 312
 
| < 360 || < 400 || < 400 || > 312
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 2,000 m || 1,350 hp || 1,620 hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| 5,800 m || 1,250 hp || 1,500 hp
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
 +
<!-- ''Examine the survivability of the aircraft. Note how vulnerable the structure is and how secure the pilot is, whether the fuel tanks are armoured, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.'' -->
 +
The Ki-102b is decently survivable as a twin-engine heavy fighter, but still isn't protected from too much sustained fire; manoeuvre the plane out of gun-fire and get the enemy off your tail using the 12.7 mm in the back which, when loaded with HE, can make short work of your chaser.
 +
 +
The Ki-102 also comes with self-sealing fuel tanks providing additional survivability if the fuel tanks were to get hit, by extinguishing fires and preventing them from running empty, allowing you to make it safely back to the airfield.
  
 
* 8 mm steel behind 57 mm cannon
 
* 8 mm steel behind 57 mm cannon
Line 102: Line 88:
 
* 12 mm steel behind pilot
 
* 12 mm steel behind pilot
 
* 12 mm steel in front of fuselage-mounted fuel tank
 
* 12 mm steel in front of fuselage-mounted fuel tank
−
* 12 mm steel behind fuselage-mounted fuel tank  
+
* 12 mm steel behind fuselage-mounted fuel tank
 
* 12 mm steel in front of gunner*
 
* 12 mm steel in front of gunner*
−
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in central fuselage, 3 in each wing
+
* Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in central fuselage, 3 in each wing)
  
 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note that the gunner is rear-facing
 
<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note that the gunner is rear-facing
Line 110: Line 96:
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 +
* First, as with most planes, getting ammo belts should provide more control and better firepower over the guns
 +
* Second important matter to upgrading the Ki-102 should be a focus on flight performance, allowing you to hunt bombers or light vehicle columns sooner
 +
* Afterwards, increasing gun accuracy a great plus
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
−
=== Offensive armament ===
+
=== Offensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the offensive armament of the aircraft, if any. Describe how effective the cannons and machine guns are in a battle, and also what belts or drums are better to use. If there is no offensive weaponry, delete this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Ho-401 army (57 mm)|Ho-5 army (20 mm)}}
+
{{main|Ho-401 (57 mm)|Ho-5 (20 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 57 mm Ho-401 army cannon, nose-mounted (16 rpg)
+
* 1 x 57 mm Ho-401 cannon, nose-mounted (16 rpg)
−
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 army cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 500 total)
+
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
 +
 
 +
As a ground attacker, the {{PAGENAME}} comes equipped with a 57 mm drum-loaded cannon to engage ground targets with but lacks shell choice and comes only with HE. The gun itself was based on the [[Ho-203 (37 mm)]] but increased in size. It lacks velocity and requires the pilot to be rather close to the target to hit anything at all which will make this plane very vulnerable when an attack is initiated.
 +
 
 +
Along with the Ho-401, it also comes with 2 x 20 mm Ho-5s which provide some good firepower for aerial targets and lightly armoured vehicles at a range unlike the Ho-401.
 +
 
 +
It is greatly advised to fire the guns separated.
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
{{Specs-Avia-Defensive}}
 
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Defensive armament with turret machine guns or cannons, crewed by gunners. Examine the number of gunners and what belts or drums are better to use. If defensive weaponry is not available, remove this subsection.'' -->
−
{{main|Ho-104 army (12.7 mm)}}
+
{{main|Ho-104 (12.7 mm)}}
  
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
  
−
* 1 x 12.7 mm Ho-104 army machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
+
* 1 x 12.7 mm Ho-104 machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
 +
 
 +
The {{PAGENAME}} has a 12.7 mm Ho-104 in the back, which shouldn't be underestimated as it can leave the pursuer burning down to the ground, but the belts for it aren't very favourable as most of them are filled with AP. Universal offers the best single bullet but is only fired every 4 rounds and Default offers a better universality.
  
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
−
''Describe the tactics of playing in an aircraft, the features of using vehicles in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''
+
<!--''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).''-->
 +
 
 +
There's 2 gameplay loops that the Ki-102{{Annotation|b|Otsu}} can provide: either play it in its specific role as a ground attacker or use it as a heavy-duty bomber hunter that will make short work of large planes with few to only a single hit.
 +
 
 +
;Ground Attack
 +
As the Ki-102b was specifically built for this role, in air battles it can be used to get rid of light and unarmoured targets, from light vehicles to artillery emplacements, usually only requiring a single 57 mm shell to destroy them. You should get as many ground targets in a single pass until the 57 mm is out of ammo and head back to base to re-arm, leaving the 20 mms either for emergency (dog)fighting, or, if the skies are clear enough, continue the ground pound. If the skies are contested and enemies are on your tail, you can make short work of them with the 12.7 mm mounted in the back, especially when loaded with HE ammunition paired with small evasive manoeuvres.
 +
 
 +
In ground battles, the Ki-102b doesn't provide amazing ground attack capability due to a lack of AP/HEAT for the 57 mm and no suspended armament such as bombs or rockets. It can however overpressure open-top vehicles when hitting crew compartments and make short work of anti-air trucks. If the 20 mms are loaded with AP, these can even be used to hit light-armoured vehicles but will be rather hard to pull off with the size and slow manoeuvrability of the Ki-102.
 +
 
 +
;Bomber Hunting
 +
While the Ki-102b isn't exactly made for this role, it can decently pull it off with the deadly HE the 57 mm delivers and the damage output the 20mms offer against large and heavy bombers (which other Ki-102 variants would have been tasked with).
 +
 
 +
While the 57 mm has a rather decent fire-rate for a large calibre aerial cannon, it doesn't hold up in accuracy and it's ill-advised to fire more than 2-3 shells in succession. Attempt to single fire the cannon and snipe bigger planes out of the sky, if this fails or isn't opportune, close in on the target at a safe angle and once close enough pull the trigger to send a full burst with the hopes of landing at least a hit or two and pull out of its gunner fire.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
Line 146: Line 156:
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Auto control available || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Controllable<br>2 gears || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Not controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".''
+
<!-- ''Summarise and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Try not to use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - use substitutions with softer forms such as "inadequate" and "effective".'' -->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
−
*
+
* Powerful 57 mm cannon with surprisingly fast fire-rate
 +
* Decent combined firepower at its BR
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks and decent survivability, unlike many Japanese aircraft
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
−
*
+
* 57 mm has poor accuracy/dispersion after 2 shots in full-auto
 +
* Lacks suspended armament and 57 mm AP/HEAT
 +
* Rather slow for its BR
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
−
''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/ History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''
+
<!--''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).''-->
 +
 
 +
By 1943, the Japanese Army decided the '''Ki-102''' was to be developed as a further advancement on the [[Ki-96]], which in turn was a high-altitude prototype advancement of the [[Ki-45 (Family)]]. The initial 2 planned roles for the Ki-102 were to be the Ki-102a (Ko) as a high-altitude heavy fighter and the latter as a ground-attack variant under the designation Ki-102b (Otsu).
 +
 
 +
By January 1944, Kawasaki finished the design of the Ki-102b, with the first plane being completed later in March. The Ki-102a started development just after the Ki-102b in January, with the Ko's design being finalized in April of that same year. The first 3 prototype planes were originally all supposed to be Otsu models, but to hasten the development of the Ko model, were reviewed as such.
 +
 
 +
The Ki-102b was approved for mass production, designated (by personnel) as the '''Type 4 assault aircraft''' and was equipped with a [[Ho-401 (57 mm)]] in the nose and 2 x [[Ho-5 (20 mm)]], on top of the possibility to carry up to 500 kg of bomb load. Reports from deployed planes to units pointed out how the plane would be unstable during take-off, which was temporarily dealt with by extending the tailwheel post, with further plans to extend the fuselage but never materialized until the end of the war.
 +
 
 +
At the request of high command, the deployed Ki-102s was only supposed to be used for the defense of the mainland in case of an Allied invasion. But very few would see service against bombing raids as additional firepower, others were painted jet-black and utilized as night fighters. By the end of the war, 215 Otsu-types had been produced, excluding prototypes and additional prototypes, including those modified into Ki-102a (Ko) and [[Ki-108]].
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ki_102_otsu Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
+
<!-- ''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''
 +
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 +
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
  
−
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
;Related Development
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Ki-45 (Family)|Ki-45]]
 +
* [[Ki-96]]
 +
* [[Ki-108 Kai]]
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
−
<!--''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
+
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
−
 
 
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303477-kawasaki-ki-102-otsu/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303477-kawasaki-ki-102-otsu/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
  
 
{{AirManufacturer Kawasaki}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Kawasaki}}
−
{{Japan twin-engine fighters and attackers}}
+
{{Japan twin-engine fighters and strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 11:06, 3 September 2023

Rank VI USSR | Premium | Golden Eagles
Su-25K Pack
Ki-102 otsu
ki_102_otsu.png
GarageImage Ki-102 otsu.jpg
ArtImage Ki-102 otsu.png
Ki-102 otsu
Japan flag.png Japan
II Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.0 3.3 3.3
Class:
Research:9 200 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:16 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ki-102 otsu, designated (by personnel) as Type 4 Assault Aircraft (四式襲撃機) was a Japanese twin-engine, two-seat, ground-attack aircraft that entered service in 1944. It was the main variant of the Ki-102, which was itself derived from the Ki-45. The Ki-102 otsu had a 57 mm cannon in the nose, two 20 mm cannons in the belly, and a 12.7 mm machine gun in the rear. It was designed to attack enemy ground targets with its powerful armament. The Ki-102 otsu saw limited action in the Okinawa campaign but was mostly kept in reserve to defend Japan from the expected Allied invasion.

It was introduced in Update 1.35. The Ki-102 otsu can be used in two ways: as its intended ground attacker role or as an ad-hoc bomber hunter. For ground attack, the Ki-102 otsu can destroy light and unarmoured targets with its 57 mm cannon, then return to base or use its 20 mm guns for more targets or self-defense. It also has a 12.7 mm rear gun to fend off enemy fighters. For bomber hunting, the Ki-102 otsu can fire its 57 mm cannon from a distance or get close and unleash its 20 mm guns on large and heavy bombers. The 57 mm cannon is powerful but inaccurate, so it is better to fire single shots than bursts. The Ki-102 otsu should avoid the gunner fire of the bombers and attack from a safe angle.

Nicknames
  • Allied reporting name: Randy.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 1 900 m580 km/h
Turn time24 s
Max altitude10 000 m
Engine2 х Nakajima Ha-112
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight7 t

The Ki-102 otsu has a decent speed advantage over most enemy planes in a straight line or dive and very good climb rate. The climb rate is typically better than almost every aircraft it will come up against. As with most Japanese heavy fighters, it is a very fast aircraft. The aircraft is as manoeuvrable as you would expect from a heavy fighter, though quite sluggish in a turn compared to a single engine aircraft. The Ki-102 otsu has good acceleration in a dive due to its two powerful engines and increased weight and decent acceleration when travelling in a straight line.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 1,900 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 555 537 10000 25.5 26.1 15.4 15.4 450
Upgraded 608 580 23.6 24.5 24.9 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 + -
762 310 437 408 260 ~9 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 400 < 400 > 312

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear310 km/h

The Ki-102b is decently survivable as a twin-engine heavy fighter, but still isn't protected from too much sustained fire; manoeuvre the plane out of gun-fire and get the enemy off your tail using the 12.7 mm in the back which, when loaded with HE, can make short work of your chaser.

The Ki-102 also comes with self-sealing fuel tanks providing additional survivability if the fuel tanks were to get hit, by extinguishing fires and preventing them from running empty, allowing you to make it safely back to the airfield.

  • 8 mm steel behind 57 mm cannon
  • 8 mm steel on both sides of pilot
  • 8 mm steel behind pilot's head
  • 8 mm steel on both sides of gunner
  • 12 mm steel around 57 mm gun barrel
  • 12 mm steel behind pilot
  • 12 mm steel in front of fuselage-mounted fuel tank
  • 12 mm steel behind fuselage-mounted fuel tank
  • 12 mm steel in front of gunner*
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks (1 in central fuselage, 3 in each wing)

*Note that the gunner is rear-facing

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB471 → 627 Sl icon.png
RB996 → 1 326 Sl icon.png
SB1 464 → 1 950 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications8 390 Rp icon.png
9 370 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost640 Ge icon.png
Crew training4 500 Sl icon.png
Experts16 000 Sl icon.png
Aces180 Ge icon.png
Research Aces190 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
30 / 70 / 150 % Sl icon.png
118 / 118 / 118 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ho5_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_turret_belt_pack
Research:
420 Rp icon.png
Cost:
470 Sl icon.png
75 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ho5_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods turret gun.png
ho103_turret_new_gun
Research:
470 Rp icon.png
Cost:
530 Sl icon.png
85 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ho_401_belt_pack
Research:
700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
790 Sl icon.png
125 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
ho401_new_gun
Research:
910 Rp icon.png
Cost:
1 000 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
  • First, as with most planes, getting ammo belts should provide more control and better firepower over the guns
  • Second important matter to upgrading the Ki-102 should be a focus on flight performance, allowing you to hunt bombers or light vehicle columns sooner
  • Afterwards, increasing gun accuracy a great plus

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 157 mm Ho-401 cannon
Ammunition16 rounds
Fire rate80 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate948 shots/min
Main articles: Ho-401 (57 mm), Ho-5 (20 mm)

The Ki-102 otsu is armed with:

  • 1 x 57 mm Ho-401 cannon, nose-mounted (16 rpg)
  • 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

As a ground attacker, the Ki-102 otsu comes equipped with a 57 mm drum-loaded cannon to engage ground targets with but lacks shell choice and comes only with HE. The gun itself was based on the Ho-203 (37 mm) but increased in size. It lacks velocity and requires the pilot to be rather close to the target to hit anything at all which will make this plane very vulnerable when an attack is initiated.

Along with the Ho-401, it also comes with 2 x 20 mm Ho-5s which provide some good firepower for aerial targets and lightly armoured vehicles at a range unlike the Ho-401.

It is greatly advised to fire the guns separated.

Defensive armament

Turret12.7 mm Ho-104 machine gun
Ammunition500 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main article: Ho-104 (12.7 mm)

The Ki-102 otsu is defended by:

  • 1 x 12.7 mm Ho-104 machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)

The Ki-102 otsu has a 12.7 mm Ho-104 in the back, which shouldn't be underestimated as it can leave the pursuer burning down to the ground, but the belts for it aren't very favourable as most of them are filled with AP. Universal offers the best single bullet but is only fired every 4 rounds and Default offers a better universality.

Usage in battles

There's 2 gameplay loops that the Ki-102b can provide: either play it in its specific role as a ground attacker or use it as a heavy-duty bomber hunter that will make short work of large planes with few to only a single hit.

Ground Attack

As the Ki-102b was specifically built for this role, in air battles it can be used to get rid of light and unarmoured targets, from light vehicles to artillery emplacements, usually only requiring a single 57 mm shell to destroy them. You should get as many ground targets in a single pass until the 57 mm is out of ammo and head back to base to re-arm, leaving the 20 mms either for emergency (dog)fighting, or, if the skies are clear enough, continue the ground pound. If the skies are contested and enemies are on your tail, you can make short work of them with the 12.7 mm mounted in the back, especially when loaded with HE ammunition paired with small evasive manoeuvres.

In ground battles, the Ki-102b doesn't provide amazing ground attack capability due to a lack of AP/HEAT for the 57 mm and no suspended armament such as bombs or rockets. It can however overpressure open-top vehicles when hitting crew compartments and make short work of anti-air trucks. If the 20 mms are loaded with AP, these can even be used to hit light-armoured vehicles but will be rather hard to pull off with the size and slow manoeuvrability of the Ki-102.

Bomber Hunting

While the Ki-102b isn't exactly made for this role, it can decently pull it off with the deadly HE the 57 mm delivers and the damage output the 20mms offer against large and heavy bombers (which other Ki-102 variants would have been tasked with).

While the 57 mm has a rather decent fire-rate for a large calibre aerial cannon, it doesn't hold up in accuracy and it's ill-advised to fire more than 2-3 shells in succession. Attempt to single fire the cannon and snipe bigger planes out of the sky, if this fails or isn't opportune, close in on the target at a safe angle and once close enough pull the trigger to send a full burst with the hopes of landing at least a hit or two and pull out of its gunner fire.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 57 mm cannon with surprisingly fast fire-rate
  • Decent combined firepower at its BR
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks and decent survivability, unlike many Japanese aircraft

Cons:

  • 57 mm has poor accuracy/dispersion after 2 shots in full-auto
  • Lacks suspended armament and 57 mm AP/HEAT
  • Rather slow for its BR

History

By 1943, the Japanese Army decided the Ki-102 was to be developed as a further advancement on the Ki-96, which in turn was a high-altitude prototype advancement of the Ki-45 (Family). The initial 2 planned roles for the Ki-102 were to be the Ki-102a (Ko) as a high-altitude heavy fighter and the latter as a ground-attack variant under the designation Ki-102b (Otsu).

By January 1944, Kawasaki finished the design of the Ki-102b, with the first plane being completed later in March. The Ki-102a started development just after the Ki-102b in January, with the Ko's design being finalized in April of that same year. The first 3 prototype planes were originally all supposed to be Otsu models, but to hasten the development of the Ko model, were reviewed as such.

The Ki-102b was approved for mass production, designated (by personnel) as the Type 4 assault aircraft and was equipped with a Ho-401 (57 mm) in the nose and 2 x Ho-5 (20 mm), on top of the possibility to carry up to 500 kg of bomb load. Reports from deployed planes to units pointed out how the plane would be unstable during take-off, which was temporarily dealt with by extending the tailwheel post, with further plans to extend the fuselage but never materialized until the end of the war.

At the request of high command, the deployed Ki-102s was only supposed to be used for the defense of the mainland in case of an Allied invasion. But very few would see service against bombing raids as additional firepower, others were painted jet-black and utilized as night fighters. By the end of the war, 215 Otsu-types had been produced, excluding prototypes and additional prototypes, including those modified into Ki-102a (Ko) and Ki-108.

Media

Skins

See also

Related Development

External links


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

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