Difference between revisions of "Ki-45 ko"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ki-45_ko}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Japanese twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other versions
 +
| link = Ki-45 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ki-45_ko
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.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 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.'' -->
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' was originally designed and conceived as a long range escort fighter but later evolved into a nightime interceptor and a strike fighter after falling prey to smaller, lighter and more agile single engine fighter. The Ki-45 ko is the first variant of the Ki-45. It was armed with a 20mm Ho-3 cannon in ventral possition, two Ho-103 12.7mm guns on the nose and a 7.92mm MG on the back operated by the gunner/radio operator. Further variants where developed, like the "otsu/乙", the "hei/丙", or the "tei/丁".
 +
 
 +
It was introduced in [[Update 1.31]]. Being classed as a heavy fighter, the Ki-45 isn't the best in the manoeuvrability category. 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-45 utilises more of an equilibrium between manoeuvrability, speed, and armament. These are what makes the Ki-45 both a capable dogfighter and bomber hunter.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
−
=== Flight Performance ===
+
=== Flight performance ===
−
''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,300 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 551 || 533 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.9 || 25.5 || 16.4 || 16.4 || rowspan="2" | 520
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 593 || 570 || 23.2 || 24.0 || 23.1 || 19.5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
 +
! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 450 || 444 || 308 || ~11 || ~7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 360 || < 320 || < 450 || > 330
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 16 mm Steel plates behind the pilot.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
 +
 
 +
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 ==
 
== 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-3 (20 mm)|Ho-103 (12.7 mm)}}
  
−
=== Suspended armament ===
+
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
−
''Describe the aircraft's suspended armament: additional cannons under the wings, bombs, rockets and torpedoes. This section is especially important for bombers and attackers. If there is no suspended weaponry remove this subsection.''
+
 
 +
* 1 x 20 mm Ho-3 cannon, belly-mounted (100 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine guns, nose-mounted (350 rpg = 700 total)
  
 
=== Defensive armament ===
 
=== Defensive armament ===
−
''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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Type 98 (7.92 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun, dorsal turret (1,050 rpg)
  
−
== Usage in the 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).'' -->
 +
The Ki-45 ko's armament is much more suited for dogfighting than its later, 37 mm cannon-armed variants. With a moderate ammunition pool, it is easily possible to destroy multiple enemies with this aircraft. It is recommended to use the 20 mm cannon only when the pilot is confident of hitting the enemy aircraft, as it only holds 100 shells. The 12.7 mm machine guns are where most of the damage will be done at range.
 +
 
 +
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 ===
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="7" | MEC elements
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Mixer
 +
! rowspan="2" | Pitch
 +
! colspan="3" | Radiator
 +
! rowspan="2" | Supercharger
 +
! rowspan="2" | Turbocharger
 +
|-
 +
! Oil !! Water !! Type
 +
|-
 +
| Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Controllable<br>Auto control available || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== Pros and cons ===
 
=== Pros and cons ===
−
''Summarize and briefly evaluate the vehicle in terms of its characteristics and combat effectiveness. Mark its pros and cons in the bulleted list. Do not use more than 6 points for each of the characteristics. Avoid using categorical definitions such as "bad", "good" and the like - they have a substitution in the form of softer "inadequate", "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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* 7.92 mm tail gun
 +
* Fairly good speed
 +
* 16.5 mm of armour in pilot's seat
 +
* Good manoeuvrability
 +
* Two engine design
 +
* Effective armament
 +
* Very good climb rate
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Beat in turn fights by some aircraft
−
''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 "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* Prone to fuel and engine fires
 +
* Locks up at high speeds
 +
* Mediocre roll rate, gets worse as speed increases (compression)
 +
* Limited ammunition for all weapons
 +
* Lack of protection around fuel tanks, engines, and gunner
 +
 
 +
== 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).'' -->
 +
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 Superfortress'. Special attack groups specifically designed for this purpose formed, but by late 1945 Imperial Japan's fate had been sealed.
 +
 
 +
{{break}}
 +
{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}}}
 +
{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 +
Kawasaki Ki-45 KAI Ko (Model A) Type 2 Toryu (Allied reporting name: Nick) twin-engine army fighter
 +
 
 +
A twin-engine all-metal monoplane fighter with an enclosed two-seat cockpit and a retractable landing gear system including a tail wheel.
 +
 
 +
The development of the Ki-45 fighter started in the design bureau of the Kawasaki Company under the direction of Takeo Doi in January 1938. The aircraft was a further development of the Ki-38 twin-engine fighter, which had been produced by the company for the Japanese Army Air Service since March 1937. It was decided to use two Bristol Mercury air-cooled engines, produced under licence by the Nakajima Company under the designation of Ha-20b. The first prototype fighter was built by early 1939. It got off the ground for the first time in February 1939. The prototype's tests showed that the vehicle's flight characteristics, particularly its speed, were significantly worse than the specification's requirements. Despite improvements, the two other prototypes never reached the specified design speed, either. So further work on the project was stopped, and the construction of six more aircraft was frozen.
 +
 
 +
In April 1940, the Kawasaki Company was ordered to equip the aircraft with more powerful Nakajima Ha-25 fourteen-cylinder, air-cooled engines, with a takeoff power of 1,000 hp. The engines' smaller diameter enabled the installation of NACA cowlings and reduced propeller spinner size.
 +
 
 +
The first flight of the improved Ki-45 took place in July 1940. While the tests were being conducted, Takeo Doi suggested a number of modifications for the aircraft to improve its flight characteristics and controllability and to facilitate its full-scale production. The Ki-45 obtained a thinner fuselage, a new fin, straight wing edges, smaller nacelles, and a reflector sight in place of its telescopic one.
 +
 
 +
The Ki-45's armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Ho-103 (Browning) machine guns, with 350 rounds each, mounted on the forward fuselage, and one 20 mm Ho-3 cannon, with 100 rounds, mounted on the right side of the lower fuselage. One 7.92 mm Type 98 (Rheinmetall-Borsig MG 15) machine gun with 1,050 rounds was located in the rear defensive turret and operated by the radio operator/gunner.
 +
 
 +
The Army Air Service's headquarters approved these modifications in October 1940. The first Ki-45 KAI ("KAI" meaning "improved") was completed in May 1941. After testing three prototypes, the Kawasaki Company began to prepare for full-scale production. The aircraft obtained the official army designation "Improved Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter Model Ko (A) Toryu".
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== 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-45_ko Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|t3xD7JpnHeI|'''Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 1:25 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''}}
  
−
== Read 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;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
−
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
+
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
−
''ETC.''
 
  
−
== Sources ==
+
;Related development
 +
 
 +
* [[Ki-45 (Family)]]
 +
 
 +
== 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;''
−
* ''page on the Wikipedia;''
 
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{AirManufacturer Kawasaki}}
 +
{{Japan twin-engine fighters and attackers}}

Latest revision as of 04:23, 8 October 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
This page is about the Japanese twin-engine fighter Ki-45 ko. For other versions, see Ki-45 (Family).
Ki-45 ko
ki-45_ko.png
GarageImage Ki-45 ko.jpg
ArtImage Ki-45 ko.jpg
Ki-45 ko
Japan flag.png Japan
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 2.7 2.7
Class:
Research:4 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:2 100 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ki-45 ko Toryu was originally designed and conceived as a long range escort fighter but later evolved into a nightime interceptor and a strike fighter after falling prey to smaller, lighter and more agile single engine fighter. The Ki-45 ko is the first variant of the Ki-45. It was armed with a 20mm Ho-3 cannon in ventral possition, two Ho-103 12.7mm guns on the nose and a 7.92mm MG on the back operated by the gunner/radio operator. Further variants where developed, like the "otsu/乙", the "hei/丙", or the "tei/丁".

It was introduced in Update 1.31. Being classed as a heavy fighter, the Ki-45 isn't the best in the manoeuvrability category. 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-45 utilises more of an equilibrium 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
AB167 → 214 Sl icon.png
RB358 → 460 Sl icon.png
SB516 → 663 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications4 430 Rp icon.png
2 670 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:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 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:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 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
safat12_belt_pack
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
mg_turret_belt_pack
Research:
220 Rp icon.png
Cost:
135 Sl icon.png
45 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ho103_new_gun
Research:
250 Rp icon.png
Cost:
150 Sl icon.png
55 Ge icon.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
ho1_belt_pack
Research:
370 Rp icon.png
Cost:
220 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
20mmtype97_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 120 mm Ho-3 cannon
Ammunition100 rounds
Fire rate400 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine gun
Ammunition700 rounds
Fire rate900 shots/min
Main articles: Ho-3 (20 mm), Ho-103 (12.7 mm)

The Ki-45 ko is armed with:

  • 1 x 20 mm Ho-3 cannon, belly-mounted (100 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 ko is defended by:

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

Usage in battles

The Ki-45 ko's armament is much more suited for dogfighting than its later, 37 mm cannon-armed variants. With a moderate ammunition pool, it is easily possible to destroy multiple enemies with this aircraft. It is recommended to use the 20 mm cannon only when the pilot is confident of hitting the enemy aircraft, as it only holds 100 shells. The 12.7 mm machine guns are where most of the damage will be done at range.

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:

  • 7.92 mm tail gun
  • Fairly good speed
  • 16.5 mm of armour in pilot's seat
  • Good manoeuvrability
  • Two engine design
  • Effective armament
  • Very good climb rate

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 (compression)
  • Limited ammunition for all weapons
  • Lack of protection around fuel tanks, engines, and gunner

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 Superfortress'. Special attack groups specifically designed for this purpose formed, but by late 1945 Imperial Japan's fate had been sealed.


Archive of the in-game description

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

A twin-engine all-metal monoplane fighter with an enclosed two-seat cockpit and a retractable landing gear system including a tail wheel.

The development of the Ki-45 fighter started in the design bureau of the Kawasaki Company under the direction of Takeo Doi in January 1938. The aircraft was a further development of the Ki-38 twin-engine fighter, which had been produced by the company for the Japanese Army Air Service since March 1937. It was decided to use two Bristol Mercury air-cooled engines, produced under licence by the Nakajima Company under the designation of Ha-20b. The first prototype fighter was built by early 1939. It got off the ground for the first time in February 1939. The prototype's tests showed that the vehicle's flight characteristics, particularly its speed, were significantly worse than the specification's requirements. Despite improvements, the two other prototypes never reached the specified design speed, either. So further work on the project was stopped, and the construction of six more aircraft was frozen.

In April 1940, the Kawasaki Company was ordered to equip the aircraft with more powerful Nakajima Ha-25 fourteen-cylinder, air-cooled engines, with a takeoff power of 1,000 hp. The engines' smaller diameter enabled the installation of NACA cowlings and reduced propeller spinner size.

The first flight of the improved Ki-45 took place in July 1940. While the tests were being conducted, Takeo Doi suggested a number of modifications for the aircraft to improve its flight characteristics and controllability and to facilitate its full-scale production. The Ki-45 obtained a thinner fuselage, a new fin, straight wing edges, smaller nacelles, and a reflector sight in place of its telescopic one.

The Ki-45's armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Ho-103 (Browning) machine guns, with 350 rounds each, mounted on the forward fuselage, and one 20 mm Ho-3 cannon, with 100 rounds, mounted on the right side of the lower fuselage. One 7.92 mm Type 98 (Rheinmetall-Borsig MG 15) machine gun with 1,050 rounds was located in the rear defensive turret and operated by the radio operator/gunner.

The Army Air Service's headquarters approved these modifications in October 1940. The first Ki-45 KAI ("KAI" meaning "improved") was completed in May 1941. After testing three prototypes, the Kawasaki Company began to prepare for full-scale production. The aircraft obtained the official army designation "Improved Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter Model Ko (A) Toryu".


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Best aircraft for Boom & Zoom discusses the Ki-45 ko at 1:25 - War Thunder Official Channel

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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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