Difference between revisions of "Ki-109"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ki_109}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ki_109
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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}}''' is based on the Mitsubishi [[Ki-67 (Family)|Ki-67]] heavy bomber, refitted as an interceptor in an attempt to counter the American high-altitude bombing raids that devastated Japan. It is armed with a 75 mm anti-aircraft gun modified for aircraft use, and almost all defensive armament from the bomber version has been stripped, except for the tail turret, to maximize performance.
 +
 
 +
This bomber-interceptor was introduced in [[Update 1.71 "New E.R.A."]]. Its 75 mm gun is effective against bombers but should not be used on agile fighters or fast-moving vehicles. The Ki-109's defensive armament is poor, and conflicts with fighters should be avoided at all costs. Alternatively, the 75 mm gun is also effective against tanks if a clean hit can be obtained.
  
 
== 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 6,050 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
 +
| 531 || 515 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 21.0 || 21.8 || 8.3 || 8.3 || rowspan="2" | 650
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 570 || 550 || 19.1 || 20.0 || 14.0 || 10.9
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== 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}} || 428 || 399 || 250 || ~5 || ~1
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 360 || < 360 || < 360 || > 313
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.'' -->
 +
The fuselage durability is strong enough to shrug off machine gun fire and some cannon rounds. The Ki-109 doesn't have any armour except on the bottom of the gun itself, which is quite meaningless for the overall plane. The pilot has neither bulleproof glass nor armoured seat and the tail gunner is not protected either. Due to this, head-on attacks are strongly unadvised. Use the aircraft's manoeuvrability to evade incoming enemies in front of the plane. The Ki-109 is equipped with self-sealing tanks, meaning it can survive one of its wings being set alight and continue to fly. Though, it is advised to retreat to base if that happens.
 +
 
 +
=== 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|Type 88 (75 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
  
−
=== Suspended armament ===
+
* 1 x 75 mm Type 88 cannon, nose-mounted (15 rpg)
−
''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.''
 
  
 
=== 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|Ho-104 (12.7 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is defended by:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 12.7 mm Ho-104 machine gun, dorsal turret (500 rpg)
 +
 
 +
There is a rear machine gunner who can protect the plane's tail. Its defensive armament can be underwhelming to deal with fighters that will attack you.
 +
 
 +
== Usage in battles ==
 +
<!-- ''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-109 isn't only about using the gun to attack ground targets, its also about intercepting enemies and returning safe and sound. While designed as an interceptor, the climbing rate is inadequate for this role when in stock condition. Sideclimbing is a mandatory rule one should obey to. Despite its size, which resembles a medium bomber, the Ki-109 is surprisingly manoeuvrable. Comparable to all twin-engined heavy fighters and on par with Germany's Fw 190 series. Still, it's better not to use those blessings for dog-fighting a fighter: use the Ki-109's manoeuvrability to evade the enemy bomber's defensive gunners if the first pass of a bomber interception fails. Another way to use the manoeuvrability is to outmanoeuvre inexperienced pilots in a heavy bomber who try to evade the first shot by making a turn like a single-engine fighter for another pass. Or, in ground attack at low altitude, the Ki-109 can regain its position quickly for another pass on enemy tanks below.
 +
 
 +
Boasting a 75 mm Type 88 cannon, the gun is quite versatile in taking down both air and ground targets. This, however, is not without  drawbacks: 15 rounds of ammo total, combined with its very low rate of fire and relatively low bullet velocity, means every shot counts since there are no other offensive weapons on the Ki-109. It is advised to seek assistance from teammates to hunt down bombers. The recoil of the gun itself is another issue to consider, so in order to minimise inaccurate shots, try to shoot the target during a shallow dive. The armour-piercing rounds used in the Type 88 have a large explosive filler. While they are very deadly against ground and smaller naval targets, the shells will often simply fly though an enemy plane's airframe and will not detonate. They still can severe a wing but this requires an unusual accuracy. Thus it is still recommended to use the HEIF-T belts against air targets as it features a much better shell velocity and will detonate on impact.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
The armour-piercing rounds used in the Type 88 do not penetrate light/normal pillboxes in direct hits, but they are very effective against all tanks upon direct hit.
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
=== 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 || Not controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Combined || 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:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Powerful 75 mm gun, effective against both bombers and tanks
 +
* Relatively good performance and agility for its size
 +
* Self-sealing fuel tanks
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* No forward-firing armament besides the 75 mm gun
 +
* Very low rate of fire for the main gun and low ammunition capacity
 +
* Extremely weak defensive armament
 +
* No armour besides the 75 mm gun cradle
 +
* The 75 mm gun can be hard to aim at times
 +
* This aircraft is quite literally a bomber redesigned with nothing but a 75 mm gun, which can make it hard to fly as well
  
 
== 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 "/ historical reference" (example: https://wiki.warthunder.com/Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to include links to sources 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).'' -->
 +
In 1943, the decision was made to develop a new heavy fighter/interceptor based on the existing Ki-67 bomber. The new design was part of Japanese efforts to counter strategic high-altitude bombing conducted by heavy US bombers, such as the [[B-29/Tu-4 (Family)|B-29]] Superfortress, on the Japanese home islands. To achieve this, Mitsubishi engineers proposed the installation of the 75mm Type 88 anti-aircraft cannon inside the aircraft's nose. The project, designated as Ki-109, was approved in early 1944 and the first two prototypes were already completed in late summer of the same year.
 +
 
 +
However, as initial testing showed that the aircraft was lacking speed due to its high mass, measures were taken to remove unnecessary equipment in order to save on weight. During this process, the Ki-109 lost most of its defensive turrets and only retained the one located in the tail section. Another attempt to improve the aircraft's speed was the intended installation of the new, more powerful Ha-104ru engines in the following production batch, however this idea was quickly dropped due to the engine having reliability issues, thus production continued with the standard Ha-104 engines.
 +
 
 +
In March of 1945, 22 Ki-109s were delivered to the 107th Sentai unit, which was tasked with protecting the strategically important cities of Tokyo and Yokohama from air raids. In July, only a few months before the war came to a close, the 107th Sentai was formally disbanded, leaving behind some Ki-109s to be tested for effectiveness against ships, this also marking the end of the aircraft's operational service.
  
 
== 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_109 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 +
 
 +
;Videos
 +
{{Youtube-gallery|GSSJKUqU3WE|'''The Shooting Range #260''' - ''Challenge'' section at 09:58 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.|ObEcMPqFBbE|'''The Shooting Range #259''' - ''Tips & Tricks'' section at 10:29 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
  
−
== 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.''
+
 
 +
* [[PBJ-1H]]
 +
* [[XA-38]]
 +
* [[Hs 129 B-3]]
 +
* [[P.108A serie 2]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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 aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.'' -->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [[wt:en/news/4934-development-mitsubishi-ki-109-an-unexpected-threat-en|[Devblog] Mitsubishi Ki-109: "An Unexpected Threat"]]
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/378376-ki-109/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 +
{{Japan twin-engine fighters and strike aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 00:12, 23 September 2024

Rank VI | Premium | Golden Eagles
Chinese A-5C Pack
Ki-109
ki_109.png
GarageImage Ki-109.jpg
ArtImage Ki-109.png
Ki-109
Japan flag.png Japan
I Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
1.7 2.0 2.3
Class:
Research:5 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:6 300 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The Ki-109 is based on the Mitsubishi Ki-67 heavy bomber, refitted as an interceptor in an attempt to counter the American high-altitude bombing raids that devastated Japan. It is armed with a 75 mm anti-aircraft gun modified for aircraft use, and almost all defensive armament from the bomber version has been stripped, except for the tail turret, to maximize performance.

This bomber-interceptor was introduced in Update 1.71 "New E.R.A.". Its 75 mm gun is effective against bombers but should not be used on agile fighters or fast-moving vehicles. The Ki-109's defensive armament is poor, and conflicts with fighters should be avoided at all costs. Alternatively, the 75 mm gun is also effective against tanks if a clean hit can be obtained.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 050 m550 km/h
Turn time20 s
Max altitude9 300 m
Engine2 х Mitsubishi Ha-104
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight11 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,050 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 531 515 9300 21.0 21.8 8.3 8.3 650
Upgraded 570 550 19.1 20.0 14.0 10.9

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 + -
650 300 428 399 250 ~5 ~1
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 360 < 360 < 360 > 313

Survivability and armour

Crew3 people
Speed of destruction
Structural650 km/h
Gear300 km/h

The fuselage durability is strong enough to shrug off machine gun fire and some cannon rounds. The Ki-109 doesn't have any armour except on the bottom of the gun itself, which is quite meaningless for the overall plane. The pilot has neither bulleproof glass nor armoured seat and the tail gunner is not protected either. Due to this, head-on attacks are strongly unadvised. Use the aircraft's manoeuvrability to evade incoming enemies in front of the plane. The Ki-109 is equipped with self-sealing tanks, meaning it can survive one of its wings being set alight and continue to fly. Though, it is advised to retreat to base if that happens.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB236 → 320 Sl icon.png
RB307 → 417 Sl icon.png
SB628 → 854 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications5 970 Rp icon.png
4 500 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost410 Ge icon.png
Crew training1 800 Sl icon.png
Experts6 300 Sl icon.png
Aces80 Ge icon.png
Research Aces135 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
20 / 40 / 90 % Sl icon.png
106 / 106 / 106 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
safat12_turret_belt_pack
Research:
400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
300 Sl icon.png
65 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods turret gun.png
ho103_turret_new_gun
Research:
450 Rp icon.png
Cost:
340 Sl icon.png
70 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
Type88_75mm_belt_pack
Research:
500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
380 Sl icon.png
80 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
Type88_75mm_new_gun
Research:
640 Rp icon.png
Cost:
480 Sl icon.png
105 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 175 mm Type 88 cannon
Ammunition15 rounds
Fire rate21 shots/min
Main article: Type 88 (75 mm)

The Ki-109 is armed with:

  • 1 x 75 mm Type 88 cannon, nose-mounted (15 rpg)

Defensive armament

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

The Ki-109 is defended by:

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

There is a rear machine gunner who can protect the plane's tail. Its defensive armament can be underwhelming to deal with fighters that will attack you.

Usage in battles

The Ki-109 isn't only about using the gun to attack ground targets, its also about intercepting enemies and returning safe and sound. While designed as an interceptor, the climbing rate is inadequate for this role when in stock condition. Sideclimbing is a mandatory rule one should obey to. Despite its size, which resembles a medium bomber, the Ki-109 is surprisingly manoeuvrable. Comparable to all twin-engined heavy fighters and on par with Germany's Fw 190 series. Still, it's better not to use those blessings for dog-fighting a fighter: use the Ki-109's manoeuvrability to evade the enemy bomber's defensive gunners if the first pass of a bomber interception fails. Another way to use the manoeuvrability is to outmanoeuvre inexperienced pilots in a heavy bomber who try to evade the first shot by making a turn like a single-engine fighter for another pass. Or, in ground attack at low altitude, the Ki-109 can regain its position quickly for another pass on enemy tanks below.

Boasting a 75 mm Type 88 cannon, the gun is quite versatile in taking down both air and ground targets. This, however, is not without drawbacks: 15 rounds of ammo total, combined with its very low rate of fire and relatively low bullet velocity, means every shot counts since there are no other offensive weapons on the Ki-109. It is advised to seek assistance from teammates to hunt down bombers. The recoil of the gun itself is another issue to consider, so in order to minimise inaccurate shots, try to shoot the target during a shallow dive. The armour-piercing rounds used in the Type 88 have a large explosive filler. While they are very deadly against ground and smaller naval targets, the shells will often simply fly though an enemy plane's airframe and will not detonate. They still can severe a wing but this requires an unusual accuracy. Thus it is still recommended to use the HEIF-T belts against air targets as it features a much better shell velocity and will detonate on impact.

The armour-piercing rounds used in the Type 88 do not penetrate light/normal pillboxes in direct hits, but they are very effective against all tanks upon direct hit.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Not controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Combined Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Powerful 75 mm gun, effective against both bombers and tanks
  • Relatively good performance and agility for its size
  • Self-sealing fuel tanks

Cons:

  • No forward-firing armament besides the 75 mm gun
  • Very low rate of fire for the main gun and low ammunition capacity
  • Extremely weak defensive armament
  • No armour besides the 75 mm gun cradle
  • The 75 mm gun can be hard to aim at times
  • This aircraft is quite literally a bomber redesigned with nothing but a 75 mm gun, which can make it hard to fly as well

History

In 1943, the decision was made to develop a new heavy fighter/interceptor based on the existing Ki-67 bomber. The new design was part of Japanese efforts to counter strategic high-altitude bombing conducted by heavy US bombers, such as the B-29 Superfortress, on the Japanese home islands. To achieve this, Mitsubishi engineers proposed the installation of the 75mm Type 88 anti-aircraft cannon inside the aircraft's nose. The project, designated as Ki-109, was approved in early 1944 and the first two prototypes were already completed in late summer of the same year.

However, as initial testing showed that the aircraft was lacking speed due to its high mass, measures were taken to remove unnecessary equipment in order to save on weight. During this process, the Ki-109 lost most of its defensive turrets and only retained the one located in the tail section. Another attempt to improve the aircraft's speed was the intended installation of the new, more powerful Ha-104ru engines in the following production batch, however this idea was quickly dropped due to the engine having reliability issues, thus production continued with the standard Ha-104 engines.

In March of 1945, 22 Ki-109s were delivered to the 107th Sentai unit, which was tasked with protecting the strategically important cities of Tokyo and Yokohama from air raids. In July, only a few months before the war came to a close, the 107th Sentai was formally disbanded, leaving behind some Ki-109s to be tested for effectiveness against ships, this also marking the end of the aircraft's operational service.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #260 - Challenge section at 09:58 discusses the Ki-109.
The Shooting Range #259 - Tips & Tricks section at 10:29 discusses the Ki-109.

See also

External links


Mitsubishi Company (三菱商会)
Fighters  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
Hydroplanes  F1M2
Interceptors  Ki-83 · Ki-109
Bombers  G4M1
  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei · Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Jet Fighters  Ki-200
Captured  ▃A6M2 · ␗A6M2
See also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Post-War)

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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