Ki-49-I
Contents
|
This page is about the aircraft Ki-49-I. For other uses, see Ki-49 (Disambiguation) |
Description
The Ki-49-I Donryu is a Rank II Japanese medium bomber
with a battle rating of 3.3 (AB), 3.0 (RB), and 3.7 (SB). It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.29.
General info
Ingame Description
Nakajima Ki-49-I Donryu Army Bomber, type 100 model 1 (code name ""Helen"")
Twin-engine monoplane medium bomber with retractable landing gear and tail wheel. The development of a new medium bomber (heavy bomber, by Japanese standards) for the Japanese Army Air Force began in the spring of 1938. The new airplane was to replace the Mitsubishi Ki-21 bomber.
Based on Japan's experience in its war with China, special attention was given to providing the bomber with high speed capabilities and strong defensive weaponry so that it could operate without fighter cover. The crew needed protective armor, and self-sealing fuel tanks were essential.
The first prototype of the Ki-49 (#4901) made its first flight in August of 1939. Production of the aircraft began in August 1940, and the plane was designated as the Nakajima Ki-49-i Donryu (""Storm Dragon""), type 100 model 1.
The Ki-49-I was equipped with two air-cooled 14-cylinder radial Hakadzima Ha-41 engines rated at 1250 hp each. The plane's defensive armament included 1 Ho-1 Type 97 20mm cannon in the upper fuselage and five 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns (which were significantly modernized versions of the Vickers), located in the nose, sides, and underneath the aircraft. In addition, one gun was located in a tail turret, the first time such a turret was employed by an aircraft of the Japanese army. The bomb bay, which occupied almost the entirety of the aircraft's middle section, could carry bombs ranging from 100 to 250 kilograms, in various combinations. A normal load was 750 kilograms, an overweight load, up to 1000.
The new planes began to be delivered to the front in August of 1941 and were widely used over New Britain and New Guinea as well as in raids on the Australian port of Darwin.
It soon became evident that the Ha-41 engine's power was insufficient, and the controllability of the aircraft suffered as a result. The bomber's speed was not high enough to outrun the newer fighter planes. However, pilots approved of the plane's armor, the power of its defensive weaponry, and the reduction of that weaponry's ""blind spots.""
In all, 128 Ki-49-I aircraft were constructed.
Flight Performance
| Characteristics | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stock | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (meters) |
Turn time (seconds) |
Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 466 | 435 | 9000 | 30.2 | 30.6 | 9.1 | 10.3 | 677 |
| Upgraded | |||||||
| Max Speed (km/h at 5,000 m) |
Max altitude (meters) | Turn time (seconds) | Rate of climb (meters/second) |
Take-off run (meters) | |||
| AB | RB | AB | RB | AB | RB | ||
| 486 | 466 | 9000 | 27.8 | 29.0 | 17.1 | 12.5 | 677 |
Details
| Features | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Combat flap | Take-off flap | Landing flap | Air brakes | Arrestor gear |
| ✓ | ✓ | ✓ | X | X |
| Limits | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wing-break speed (km/h) |
Gear limit (km/h) |
Combat flap (km/h) |
Max Static G | |
| + | - | |||
| 0 | 260 | 450 | ~2 | ~2 |
| Optimal velocities | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Ailerons (km/h) |
Rudder (km/h) |
Elevators (km/h) |
Radiator (km/h) |
| < 360 | < 360 | < 403 | > 180 |
| Compressor (RB/SB) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Setting 1 | ||
| Optimal altitude | 100% Engine power | WEP Engine power |
| 4,100 m | 2,490 hp | 2,.669 hp |
Survivability and armour
- 68 mm Bulletproof glass in front of pilot.
- 12.5 mm Steel plate in front of pilot.
- 16.5 mm Steel plate behind the pilots.
- 12.5 mm Steel plate behind the dorsal gunner.
- 12.5 mm Steel plates surrounding the dorsal gunner.
- 12.5 mm Steel plates in front of the tail gunner.
Armaments
Offensive armament
Suspended armament
Main article: Bombs
The Ki-49-I can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
- 12 x 50 kg Army Type 94 GPHE bombs (600 kg total)
- 4 x 250 kg Army Type 92 GPHE bombs (1,000 kg total)
- 1 x 500 kg Army Type 92 GPHE bomb (500 kg total)
Defensive armament
- 1 x 20 mm Ho-1 cannon, dorsal turret (150 rpg)
- 1 x 7.7 mm Type 89 machine gun, nose turret (483 rpg)
- 1 x 7.7 mm Type 89 machine gun, 2 x beam turret (483 rpg = 966 total)
- 1 x 7.7 mm Type 89 machine gun, ventral turret (483 rpg)
- 1 x 7.7 mm Type 89 machine gun, tail turret (828 rpg)
Usage in the battles
The Ki-49's role is a low-altitude medium bomber capable of destroying ground targets such as pillboxes and tanks. Although hindered by a low total bomb capacity, this aircraft is renowned for its impressive maneuverability. This being said, it is very easy for the Ki-49 to hover above an area and drop all of its payload rather quickly. Heavy bombers such as the G8N1 Renzan have a harder time due to their sheer size and slow rate of turn. Make sure to select either of the 4 x 250 kg bomb load outs if attacking targets like tanks, pillboxes, or smaller ships.
If attacked by fighters, it is important to remember and recognize the Ki-49's turning capabilities. It is actually possible to win lateral turn fights against fighters with this aircraft. Try not to act like a "sitting duck" because the Ki-49 features little armor protection and has limited defensive capabilities as far as weapons go. With only 7.7 mm machine guns, this aircraft is not suited for air to air combat against fighters. The best belt to use is the armored targets belt. If you can't shake someone off your tail aim for the pilot or the engine - your only hope of destroying the enemy plane. Pulling hard maneuvers will throw the enemy off and allow you to set up for more defensive fire.
This aircraft has the ability to hold up to 1,000 kg of bombs in several different variations. 12 x 50 kg bombs, 2 versions of 4 x 250 kg bombs, 1 x 500 kg bomb, and 2 versions of 1 x 800 kg bomb. Use the 12 x 50 kg bombs to attack light tanks and light pillboxes. They are not viable against bigger targets, since direct hits are needed to destroy. This load out is particularly useful on maps like Zhengzhou where there is an abundance on non-moving targets (light pillboxes). Use either of the 4 x 250 kg bomb versions to destroy heavier targets such as medium tanks, pillboxes, destroyers, and cargo ships. Although different in real life, both kinds of 250 kg and 800 kg bomb seem to do the exact same thing. It is purely up to choice which variation to use. It is not recommended to use the 500 kg bomb simply because one can opt for the 800 kg bomb with only a slight performance decrease. In any case, use either of these bombs to destroy targets like carriers or mini-bases.
In arcade battles, this aircraft is particularly proficient at bombing bases, especially with a maxed reload crew skill. Since the Ki-49 can virtually turn on a dime, instead of having to line up longer bombing runs like heavy bombers this aircraft can "hover" over the base or airfield and attempt dive attacks. The 800 kg bomb is particularly useful here because you only have to drop one bomb instead of spamming multiple. It's also possible to use this same tactic against pillboxes or tanks. With fighter cover, a good reload time skill and good aim it's possible to destroy dozens of ground units.
Although unconventional, this aircraft is a fantastic weapon if you want to bait the enemy. Ideally, you would want to attract a higher flying enemy down to you and to get into a turn fight. This way, depending on the enemy aircraft you can out maneuver and distract him while teammates fly down to finish him off.
Manual Engine Control
| MEC elements | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mixer | Pitch | Radiator | Supercharger | Turbocharger | ||
| Oil | Water | Type | ||||
| Controllable | Not controllable | Not controllable | Not controllable | Separate | Not ontrollable | Not controllable |
Modules
| Tier | Flight performance | Survivability | Weaponry | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| I | Fuselage Repair | Radiator | 12 in (mod30) | ||
| II | Compressor | Airframe | 14 in (mod35) | ||
| III | Wings Repair | Engine | Turret 7 mm | Turret 20 mm | |
| IV | Engine Injection | Cover | New 7 mm MGs | New 20 mm Cannons | |
Being a bomber, speed is not necessarily an important attribute, however payload and armament is. Upgrading the bombs allows for more target flexibility and damage potential while turret upgrades will help survivability. the turret belts and the "new turrets" upgrades are useful. The "new turrets" upgrade will allow you to fire the turrets for longer periods of time and having access to multiple ammunition belts is also helpful. The engine upgrades are also useful in that they will help you reach your target faster and will control engine temperature. Having all of the weapons upgrades will help drastically in unlocking the other modules on this aircraft.
The best way of grinding with this aircraft is to play cautiously and to use communication. As with any bomber, if you're caught alone or off guard you are as good as dead. Although not a sure tactic, having a fighter escort will boost RP gains drastically. This goes for both arcade and realistic battles. Generally, try to destroy as many targets as possible without wasting bombs. If done in a speedy fashion it is possible to drop multiple payloads in RB. The same goes for simulator battles. In arcade battles, having a high reload speed and a fighter escort will allow for constant bombardment. If done correctly, flying the Ki-49 in all modes will net you large amounts of RP.
Pros and cons
Pros:
- Variety of payload options
- Multiple gunners for protection in almost all directions
- Armor protection around pilots and gunners
- Highly manoeuverable and decent climb rate for a medium bomber
- Self-sealing fuel tanks
- Very good in taking out individual ground targets
- Internal payload creates no drag
- Has a tendency of being ignored due to low payload capacity
- Less prone to damage unlike the G4M
- Two pilots
Cons:
- Very poor choice for bombing bases especially in AB
- The wing is a entire fuel tank, therefore any hits to the wing can cause fuel tank fires
- Maximum payload is only 1,000 kg
- Defensive armament is relatively poor
- Unlike the G4M, 20 mm is mounted upwards, therefore it cannot fire at targets at level directly behind the plane
- Is outclassed by bombers from other nations within it's BR in nearly every aspect except maneuverability
- Weak engine horsepower
History
The Ki-49 first saw service in China. After the outbreak of the Pacific War it flew in New Guinea Australia. The Ki-49 was also used in the defense of the Philippines. The first unit to receive Ki-49 Donryu was the 61st Sentai in China. Unknown amount of Ki-49s were involved in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945.
- 95th Sentai, Papua New Guinea 1943
- 61st Sentai, French Indochina 1944
- 7th Sentai, 2nd Chutai 1944-45
- 24th Sentai, 2nd Chutai Philippines 1944-45
- 62st Sentai 3rd Chutai Burma 1944
Media
An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.
Read also
- http://www.militaryfactory.com/aircraft/detail.asp?aircraft_id=559
- http://www.pilotfriend.com/photo_albums/timeline/ww2/Nakajima%20Ki%2049%20Helen.htm
- http://wp.scn.ru/en/ww2/b/1033/65
Sources
Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:
- topic on the official game forum;
- page on aircraft encyclopedia;
- other literature.
| Japan bombers | |
|---|---|
| Navy | |
| Carrier-based attack bomber | |
| B5N | B5N2 |
| B6N | B6N1 · B6N2 · B6N2a |
| B7A | B7A2 · B7A2 (Homare 23) |
| Carrier-based dive bomber | |
| D3A | D3A1 |
| D4Y | D4Y1 · D4Y2 · D4Y3 Ko |
| Shipboard Observation seaplane | |
| F1M | F1M2 |
| Land-based Attack bomber | |
| G4M | G4M1 |
| G5N | G5N1 |
| G8N | G8N1 |
| Flying boat | |
| H6K | H6K4 |
| H8K | H8K2 · H8K3 |
| Land-based Bomber | |
| P1Y | P1Y1 |
| Army | |
| Light | Ki-32 |
| Ki-48-II otsu | |
| Heavy | Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei |
| Ki-49-I · Ki-49-IIa · Ki-49-IIb · Ki-49-IIb/L | |
| Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu | |
| Other countries | ▅B-17E |
