Difference between revisions of "Ki-108 Kai"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=ki_108
 
|code=ki_108
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
|cockpit=cockpit_ki_108.jpg
 
|cockpit=cockpit_ki_108.jpg
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
−
<!--''In the description, the first part needs to 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. If the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle it 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.'' -->
−
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left|The '''{{PAGENAME}}''' in the garage]]
+
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was a Japanese twin-engine heavy fighter/interceptor prototype developed from the [[Ki-96]] and [[Ki-102 otsu|Ki-102]] models. It was designed to counter the high-altitude American bombers such as the [[B-29A-BN|B-29 Superfortress]]. It had a pressurized cockpit, a 37 mm nose cannon and two 20 mm chin cannons. It was powered by two Mitsubishi Ha-112-II Ru turbosupercharged radial engines. Only four Ki-108s were built and none saw combat before the end of the war.
−
{{break}}
+
 
−
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a Rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating|3}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]].
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm"]]. The Ki-108 is a formidable heavy fighter that boasts strong armament, respectable climb performance, and reasonable manoeuvrability. Its main drawback is its vulnerable engines that can be crippled by enemy fire. The optimal strategy for this plane is to intercept bombers from the front or side and evade their rear gunners. The plane can also handle fighters that are lower than it, but it should not challenge them on equal footing, as it lacks dogfighting and escape capabilities. The plane should climb to the side of the map and have friendly cover above it. If the plane faces enemy fighters at high altitude without allies, it should be cautious and strike when they are unsuspecting.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, manoeuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
+
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
<!-- ''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.'' -->
−
|-
+
 
−
! rowspan="2" |Characteristics
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,000 m)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 8,000 m)
−
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
−
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
+
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
−
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
+
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! AB
+
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
−
! AB
 
−
! RB
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
!''Stock''
+
! Stock
 
| 597 || 580 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.1 || 22.9 || 8.4 || 8.4 || rowspan="2" | 600
 
| 597 || 580 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.1 || 22.9 || 8.4 || 8.4 || rowspan="2" | 600
 
|-
 
|-
−
!''Upgraded''
+
! Upgraded
−
|649||622||20.4||12.0||16.9||12.1
+
| 649 || 622 || 20.4 || 21.0 || 16.9 || 12.1
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
====Details====
+
==== Details ====
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
! colspan="5" | Features
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Combat flap
+
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
−
! Take-off flap
 
−
! Landing flap
 
−
! Air brakes
 
−
! Arrestor gear
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| X || X || X || X || X <!-- ✓ -->
+
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X     <!-- ✓ -->
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
  
−
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="5" | Limits
+
! colspan="7" | Limits
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
−
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
+
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 
|-
 
|-
−
! +
+
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
−
! -
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || ??? || ~?? || ~?
+
| 762 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 437 || 408 || 260 || ~10 || ~7
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 70: Line 62:
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
−
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
−
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 
−
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| < ??? || < ??? || < ??? || > ???
+
| < 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
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
<!--! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|-
 
−
! colspan="3" | Setting 3
 
−
|-
 
−
! Optimal altitude
 
−
! 100% Engine power
 
−
! WEP Engine power
 
−
|-
 
−
| ?,??? m || ?,??? hp || ?,??? hp
 
−
|- -->
 
 
|}
 
|}
  
 
=== Survivability and armour ===
 
=== Survivability and 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. Describe the armour, if there is any, also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
  
 
* 12 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 
* 12 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
 
* 12 mm Steel - Pilot's backrest
 
* 12 mm Steel - Pilot's backrest
 +
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
 
=== Offensive armament ===
 
=== Offensive armament ===
−
<!--''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.''-->
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Ho-204 (37 mm)|Ho-5 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
* 1 x 37 mm Ho-204 cannon
+
* 1 x 37 mm Ho-204 cannon, nose-mounted (35 rpg)
−
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons
+
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)
  
 
== 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 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).'' -->
  
−
===Manual Engine Control===
+
The Ki-108's assets are its excellent guns (especially the 37 mm Ho-204 with its quick rate of fire; the 20 mm are unimpressive but will give you a chance to finish a wounded enemy), its climbing speed, and its fairly good manoeuvrability for a plane with so much firepower. Its main weakness is its engine vulnerability. Use the climb rate and speed to engage bombers from the front or front-side, down or cripple, disengage to reload, climb back and repeat. Do not engage bombers from behind as even a [[B-18A]] or [[B-34]] has a good chance of crippling you with its tail gunners. Fighters climbing towards you are reasonably easy prey, but try to avoid confrontations where you do not have an altitude advantage, as your dogfighting ability is low and your escape speed is unimpressive if you don't start with a strong advantage.
 +
 
 +
In Air AB, it's best to side climb, as even when fully upgraded, the Ki-108 will not outclimb aircraft such as the [[Bf 109 F-4]]. The Ki-108 performs best when there are teammates above you to provide you with cover - if you find yourself alone at high altitude against single-engine enemy fighters, you'll have to be very wary of them and take them out when they least expect it - a Ki-108 probably won't beat something like a Bf 109 F-4 in a 1 v 1 engagement unless it comes in with an element of surprise or a significant altitude or speed advantage.
 +
 
 +
Overall, a fantastic interceptor at its battle rating, good enough to regularly score Survivor awards.
 +
 
 +
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 
|-
 
|-
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 
|-
 
|-
−
! rowspan="2" |Mixer
+
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
−
! rowspan="2" |Pitch
+
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
−
! colspan="3" |Radiator
+
! colspan="3" | Radiator
−
! rowspan="2" |Supercharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
−
! rowspan="2" |Turbocharger
+
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 
|-
 
|-
−
! Oil
+
! Oil !! Water !! Type
−
! Water
 
−
! Type  
 
 
|-
 
|-
−
| Controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
+
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Not controllable<br>1 gear || Not controllable
−
|-
 
−
|}
 
−
 
 
−
===Modules===
 
−
{| class="wikitable"
 
−
! colspan="1" | Tier
 
−
! colspan="2" | Flight performance
 
−
! colspan="1" | Survivability
 
−
! colspan="2" | Weaponry
 
−
|-
 
−
| I
 
−
| Fuselage Repair
 
−
| Radiator
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| II
 
−
|
 
−
| Compressor
 
−
| Airframe
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| III
 
−
| Wings Repair
 
−
| Engine
 
−
|
 
−
|
 
−
|-
 
−
| IV
 
−
|
 
−
| Engine Injection
 
−
| Cover
 
−
|
 
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
Line 186: Line 124:
  
 
* Powerful armaments
 
* Powerful armaments
−
* Decent climbrate
+
* Decent climb rate
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 195: Line 133:
 
* Poor roll rates at low and high speeds
 
* Poor roll rates at low and high speeds
 
* Highly flammable
 
* Highly flammable
 +
* Absolutely awful cockpit visibility
  
 
== 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 big, take it to a separate article, taking a link to an 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></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article.''-->
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
−
Development of the Ki-108 began in April 1943 after Kawasaki wanted to fulfil a standing requirement with the Japanese Army for a heavy interceptor that initially began with the Ki-45 heavy fighter series. The Ki-108’s design was derived mostly from the previous Ki-102 project and took some elements of the Ki-96 as well, effectively combining the two designs into one. After the first B-29 Superfortress bombers made their appearance over the Japanese home islands, the need for such a high-altitude interceptor became even more emphasized. Two Ki-102 otsu airframes were taken from the assembly line in 1944 to produce the initial Ki-108 prototypes. Compared to the Ki-102, which was intended as a low-altitude attack aircraft, the Ki-108 was an interceptor meant for high altitude operations. To allow for this, the Ki-108’s cockpit had to be significantly reduced in size and was to be hermetically sealed. This effectively turned the Ki-108 into a single-seater, reduced weight and decreased the strain on the engines all at the same time, which allowed for better performance at higher altitudes.
+
Development of the Ki-108 began in April 1943 after Kawasaki wanted to fulfil a standing requirement with the Japanese Army for a heavy interceptor that initially began with the Ki-45 heavy fighter series. The Ki-108's design was derived mostly from the previous Ki-102 project and took some elements of the Ki-96 as well, effectively combining the two designs into one. After the first B-29 Superfortress bombers made their appearance over the Japanese home islands, the need for such a high-altitude interceptor became even more emphasized. Two Ki-102 otsu airframes were taken from the assembly line in 1944 to produce the initial Ki-108 prototypes. Compared to the Ki-102, which was intended as a low-altitude attack aircraft, the Ki-108 was an interceptor meant for high altitude operations. To allow for this, the Ki-108's cockpit had to be significantly reduced in size and was to be hermetically sealed. This effectively turned the Ki-108 into a single-seater, reduced weight and decreased the strain on the engines all at the same time, which allowed for better performance at higher altitudes.
  
 
The two initial prototypes were completed in July and August 1944, respectively. An improved version of the Ki-108 was designed based around the Ki-102 Hei, featuring a wider wingspan and a longer fuselage, in an effort to improve high-altitude handling. Two examples of the Ki-108 Kai variant were built and subsequently tested in 1945. However, the worsening war situation for Japan prematurely concluded testing of the type and both versions never left prototype stage, yet alone seeing combat. A total of four Ki-108s were manufactured between 1944 - 1945.
 
The two initial prototypes were completed in July and August 1944, respectively. An improved version of the Ki-108 was designed based around the Ki-102 Hei, featuring a wider wingspan and a longer fuselage, in an effort to improve high-altitude handling. Two examples of the Ki-108 Kai variant were built and subsequently tested in 1945. However, the worsening war situation for Japan prematurely concluded testing of the type and both versions never left prototype stage, yet alone seeing combat. A total of four Ki-108s were manufactured between 1944 - 1945.
  
−
''- From [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5365-development-kawasaki-ki-108-the-final-dragon-slayer-en Devblog]''
+
''- From [[wt:en/news/5365-development-kawasaki-ki-108-the-final-dragon-slayer-en|Devblog]]''
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as 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_108 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;''
+
* [[Ki-96]]
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* [[Ki-102 otsu]]
  
 
== 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 aircraft;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''-->
 
  
−
* [https://warthunder.com/en/news/5365-development-kawasaki-ki-108-the-final-dragon-slayer-en [Devblog<nowiki>]</nowiki> Kawasaki Ki-108: The Final Dragon Slayer]
+
* [[wt:en/news/5365-development-kawasaki-ki-108-the-final-dragon-slayer-en|[Devblog] Kawasaki Ki-108: The Final Dragon Slayer]]
 
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=1478 Military Factory - Kawasaki Ki-108]
 
* [https://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=1478 Military Factory - Kawasaki Ki-108]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/402765-ki-108/ 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 13:27, 7 September 2023

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Ki-108 Kai
ki_108.png
GarageImage Ki-108 Kai.jpg
ArtImage Ki-108 Kai.png
360://https://wiki.warthunder.com/images/1/1d/Cockpit_ki_108.jpg
Ki-108 Kai
Japan flag.png Japan
III Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
3.7 3.7 3.3
Class:
Research:18 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:47 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ki-108 Kai was a Japanese twin-engine heavy fighter/interceptor prototype developed from the Ki-96 and Ki-102 models. It was designed to counter the high-altitude American bombers such as the B-29 Superfortress. It had a pressurized cockpit, a 37 mm nose cannon and two 20 mm chin cannons. It was powered by two Mitsubishi Ha-112-II Ru turbosupercharged radial engines. Only four Ki-108s were built and none saw combat before the end of the war.

It was introduced in Update 1.77 "Advancing Storm". The Ki-108 is a formidable heavy fighter that boasts strong armament, respectable climb performance, and reasonable manoeuvrability. Its main drawback is its vulnerable engines that can be crippled by enemy fire. The optimal strategy for this plane is to intercept bombers from the front or side and evade their rear gunners. The plane can also handle fighters that are lower than it, but it should not challenge them on equal footing, as it lacks dogfighting and escape capabilities. The plane should climb to the side of the map and have friendly cover above it. If the plane faces enemy fighters at high altitude without allies, it should be cautious and strike when they are unsuspecting.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 8 000 m622 km/h
Turn time21 s
Max altitude13 000 m
Engine2 х Nakajima Ha-112-II Ru
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight8 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 8,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 597 580 13000 22.1 22.9 8.4 8.4 600
Upgraded 649 622 20.4 21.0 16.9 12.1

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 ~10 ~7
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 400 < 400 > 312

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • 12 mm Steel - Pilot's headrest
  • 12 mm Steel - Pilot's backrest

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB851 → 1 098 Sl icon.png
RB1 864 → 2 406 Sl icon.png
SB2 639 → 3 406 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications19 800 Rp icon.png
32 400 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost980 Ge icon.png
Crew training13 000 Sl icon.png
Experts47 000 Sl icon.png
Aces400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces280 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
50 / 130 / 270 % Sl icon.png
136 / 136 / 136 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ho5_belt_pack
Research:
1 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 100 Sl icon.png
120 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ho5_new_gun
Research:
1 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 500 Sl icon.png
135 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ho_204_belt_pack
Research:
1 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
2 800 Sl icon.png
155 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ho204_new_gun
Research:
2 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
3 400 Sl icon.png
190 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 137 mm Ho-204 cannon
Ammunition35 rounds
Fire rate400 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate948 shots/min
Main articles: Ho-204 (37 mm), Ho-5 (20 mm)

The Ki-108 Kai is armed with:

  • 1 x 37 mm Ho-204 cannon, nose-mounted (35 rpg)
  • 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, chin-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Usage in battles

The Ki-108's assets are its excellent guns (especially the 37 mm Ho-204 with its quick rate of fire; the 20 mm are unimpressive but will give you a chance to finish a wounded enemy), its climbing speed, and its fairly good manoeuvrability for a plane with so much firepower. Its main weakness is its engine vulnerability. Use the climb rate and speed to engage bombers from the front or front-side, down or cripple, disengage to reload, climb back and repeat. Do not engage bombers from behind as even a B-18A or B-34 has a good chance of crippling you with its tail gunners. Fighters climbing towards you are reasonably easy prey, but try to avoid confrontations where you do not have an altitude advantage, as your dogfighting ability is low and your escape speed is unimpressive if you don't start with a strong advantage.

In Air AB, it's best to side climb, as even when fully upgraded, the Ki-108 will not outclimb aircraft such as the Bf 109 F-4. The Ki-108 performs best when there are teammates above you to provide you with cover - if you find yourself alone at high altitude against single-engine enemy fighters, you'll have to be very wary of them and take them out when they least expect it - a Ki-108 probably won't beat something like a Bf 109 F-4 in a 1 v 1 engagement unless it comes in with an element of surprise or a significant altitude or speed advantage.

Overall, a fantastic interceptor at its battle rating, good enough to regularly score Survivor awards.

Manual Engine Control

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

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful armaments
  • Decent climb rate

Cons:

  • Serious overheating issues even without WEP
  • The 37 mm are inaccurate even once upgraded
  • Low ammo counts; require trigger discipline
  • Poor roll rates at low and high speeds
  • Highly flammable
  • Absolutely awful cockpit visibility

History

Development of the Ki-108 began in April 1943 after Kawasaki wanted to fulfil a standing requirement with the Japanese Army for a heavy interceptor that initially began with the Ki-45 heavy fighter series. The Ki-108's design was derived mostly from the previous Ki-102 project and took some elements of the Ki-96 as well, effectively combining the two designs into one. After the first B-29 Superfortress bombers made their appearance over the Japanese home islands, the need for such a high-altitude interceptor became even more emphasized. Two Ki-102 otsu airframes were taken from the assembly line in 1944 to produce the initial Ki-108 prototypes. Compared to the Ki-102, which was intended as a low-altitude attack aircraft, the Ki-108 was an interceptor meant for high altitude operations. To allow for this, the Ki-108's cockpit had to be significantly reduced in size and was to be hermetically sealed. This effectively turned the Ki-108 into a single-seater, reduced weight and decreased the strain on the engines all at the same time, which allowed for better performance at higher altitudes.

The two initial prototypes were completed in July and August 1944, respectively. An improved version of the Ki-108 was designed based around the Ki-102 Hei, featuring a wider wingspan and a longer fuselage, in an effort to improve high-altitude handling. Two examples of the Ki-108 Kai variant were built and subsequently tested in 1945. However, the worsening war situation for Japan prematurely concluded testing of the type and both versions never left prototype stage, yet alone seeing combat. A total of four Ki-108s were manufactured between 1944 - 1945.

- From Devblog

Media

Skins

See also

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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