Difference between revisions of "Ki-45 tei"

From War Thunder Wiki
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Added disambiguation link.)
(Added In-game description.)
(2 intermediate revisions by the same user not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{Specs-Card|code=ki-45_tei}}
 
{{Specs-Card|code=ki-45_tei}}
{{Notice|''This page is about the aircraft '''{{PAGENAME}}'''. For other uses, see [[Ki-45_(Disambiguation)|Ki-45 (Disambiguation)]]''}}
+
{{About
 +
| about = Japanese twin-engine fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
 +
| usage = other uses
 +
| link = Ki-45 (Family)
 +
}}
 +
 
 
== 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 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.''-->
  
 +
[[File:GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|420px|thumb|left]]
 +
{{break}}
 +
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese twin-engine fighter {{Battle-rating}}. This aircraft was introduced in [[Update 1.31]].
 +
 +
Being a classed as a heavy fighter, the Ki-45 isn't the best in the maneuverability category. However, for a heavy fighter, it maneuvers 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 maneuverability and speed for armament. Instead, the Ki-45s utilize more of an equilibrium between maneuverability, speed, and armament. These are what makes the Ki-45 both a capable dog-fighter, 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.''
+
<!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Maximum speed, maneuverability, speed and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | Characteristics
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Stock''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,300 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run<br>(meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| 546 || 535 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 25.2 || 25.6 || 16.5 || 16.5 || 520
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 6,300 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Max altitude (meters)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(meters/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" |Take-off run (meters)
 +
|-
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
! AB
 +
! RB
 +
|-
 +
| ? || ? || {{Specs|ceiling}} || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || ??.? || 520
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
====Details====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flap
 +
! Take-off flap
 +
! Landing flap
 +
! Air brakes
 +
! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || X    <!-- ✓ -->
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Limits
 +
|-
 +
! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Combat flap<br> (km/h)
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 +
|-
 +
! +
 +
! -
 +
|-
 +
| {{Specs|разрушение|конструкции}} || {{Specs|разрушение|шасси}} || 390 || ~11 || ~7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
 +
! Rudder<br>(km/h)
 +
! Elevators<br>(km/h)
 +
! Radiator<br>(km/h)
 +
|-
 +
| < 360 || < 320 || < 450 || > 280
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Compressor (RB/SB)
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 1
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 1,800 m || 2,080 hp || 2,271 hp
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="3" | Setting 2
 +
|-
 +
! Optimal altitude
 +
! 100% Engine power
 +
! WEP Engine power
 +
|-
 +
| 5,100 m || 1,870 hp || 2,042 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.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
* 16 mm Steel plates behind the pilot
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== 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.''
+
<!--''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-203 army (37 mm)|Ho-5 army (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 1 x 37 mm Ho-203 cannon, nose-mounted (15 rpg)
 +
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannon, ''Schräge Musik'' (100 rpg = 200 total)
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
''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.''
+
<!--''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.''-->
 +
&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;''Main article:&nbsp;'''[[:Category:Suspended armaments|Bombs]]'''''
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bombs (500 kg 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.''
+
<!--''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 army (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 the 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 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).''-->
 +
This variant of the Ki-45, the Ki-45 tei, features the first "schräge musik" armament of the series. Wielding one Ho-204 37 mm cannon and two Ho-5 20 mm cannons, the Ki-45 tei is the definition of a bomber hunter. It's 37 mm cannon allows the Toryu to take down bombers with ease, and its dual 20 mm cannons allow for even more flexibility in the bomber hunting department. Although deadly, the 37 mm cannon only holds 15 rounds, so shot placement is crucial. The round itself also travels fairly slowly in the air, making it hard to hit fast moving enemy fighters. The 20 mm cannons are best used in a secondary weapon role, as they are fixed at an upward angle. To use these weapons, one must bind a key to them via the in-game controls menu (it is on the first page that comes up, basic). Unique to the tei model, this Ki-45's ground attack role is improved due to the ability to equip bombs.
  
 +
The Ki-45 tei also retains its impressive turn rate from the [[Ki-45_otsu]]. Although the aircraft itself is large and presents an "easy target" in many players' minds, the Ki-45 is rather nimble. Use this to your advantage when engaging enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the Ki-45 is a heavy fighter, meaning its turn time is still not on par with other aircraft such as the [[F2A-3]]. In certain cases, the Ki-45 pilot may have to rely on his or her tail gunner to get the job done. The "tei" version of the Ki-45 features a 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun with 1050 rounds. Although lacklustre, with shot placement it is possible to destroy enemies on the aircraft's tail. Aim for the pilot or the engine, as those are generally the weakest points on most aircraft. If the tailing enemy is a bi-plane, aim for the wings since they are very fragile.
 +
 +
The Toryu is also rather fragile for a heavy fighter. Although it does feature two engines, the Ki-45 does not have very much armor protection. Only the back of the pilot's seat and the nose has armor, leaving both the gunner and engines unprotected. This can prove costly in a fight. If one does find him or herself tailed, call upon teammates for assistance.
 +
===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 || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Separate || rowspan="2" | Not controllable || rowspan="2" | Not controllable
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
===Modules===
 +
{| class="wikitable"
 +
!colspan = "1"| Tier
 +
!colspan = "2"| Flight performance
 +
!colspan = "1"| Survivability
 +
!colspan = "2"| Weaponry
 +
|-
 +
| I
 +
| Fuselage Repair
 +
| Radiator
 +
|
 +
| Turret 7 mm
 +
| 12 in (mod30)
 +
|-
 +
| II
 +
|
 +
| Compressor
 +
| Airframe
 +
| New 7 mm MGs (Turret)
 +
| Offensive 20 mm
 +
|-
 +
| III
 +
| Wings Repair
 +
| Engine
 +
|
 +
| New 20 mm Cannons
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
| IV
 +
|
 +
| Engine Injection
 +
| Cover
 +
| New 37 mm Cannons
 +
|
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
* 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.
 
=== 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".''
+
<!--''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".''-->
  
 
'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
*
+
* Highly powerful 37 mm cannon
 +
* Good manoeuvrability and climb rate for a heavy fighter
 +
* Acceptable top speed
 +
* 16.5 mm of armour in pilot's seat and added armour in the nose around cannon barrel
 +
* Two engine design
 +
* Capable of carrying 2 x 250 kg, unlike other Ki-45 variants
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''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
 +
* Limited ammunition for all weapons
 +
* Lack of protection around fuel tanks, engines, and gunner
 +
* Long cannon reload
 +
* Pilot is exposed in head-ons
 +
* Very little anti-fighter capabilities
  
 
== 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 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.''-->
 +
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 37mm 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 Superfortresses. Special attack groups specifically designed for this purpose formed, but by late 1945 Imperial Japan's fate had been sealed. The Allies allocated the name "Nick" to the Ki-45.
 +
 
 +
=== In-game description ===
 +
"Kawasaki Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei), Model C (D), Type 2 Toryu (Allied reporting name: Nick) twin-engine army fighter
 +
 
 +
As a result of successful use of the Ki-45 KAI Ko (Tei) as an interceptor fighter, the Kawasaki Company received an order to design a special night version of the Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei) fighter.
 +
Featuring the same Mitsubishi Ha-102 engines, the Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei) had a 37 mm Но-203 cannon with 15 rounds mounted in the forward fuselage, a 20 mm Ho-3 cannon with 100 rounds mounted in the lower fuselage, and two 20 mm Но-5 cannons, with 100 rounds each, mounted in the upper fuselage at an angle, similar to the Schräge Musik configuration.
 +
 
 +
It should be noted that using the 37 mm Но-203 cannon at night often temporarily blinded the pilot after firing.
 +
 
 +
Radar was to be mounted in the fighter's nose section. But engineering problems did not allow the full implementation of this plan; the radar was fitted in the nose section under the plastic fairing on only one prototype aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The pilot's station was protected with a 17 mm armored headrest and backrest. The magazine of the Ho-203 cannon was also covered with 13 mm armor sheets, on the front and back. The radio operator/gunner had no armor protection whatsoever.
 +
 
 +
After American B-29 Superfortress bombers began to raid Japan, the combat load drastically increased for the sentais armed with Ki-45 fighters, which could oppose the American bombers, at least to some extent. From June 1944 on, all units with Ki-45s were lumped into the Air Defence Force of Japan.
 +
 
 +
Despite their absence of airborne radars, Toryu pilots achieved quite significant results. In particular, pilots of the 4th Sentai chalked up over 150 shot-down American aircraft.
 +
 
 +
A number of Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei) aircraft from among those captured within the territory of China were used by the Chinese armed forces, including the People's Liberation Army during the Civil War in 1946-49."
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
Line 43: Line 276:
 
* ''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.''
+
<!--''ETC.''-->
  
 
== Sources ==
 
== Sources ==
Line 50: Line 283:
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
 
* ''other literature.''
 
* ''other literature.''
 +
 +
{{Japan twin-engine fighters and attackers}}

Revision as of 23:47, 15 May 2019

Rank VI USA | Premium | Golden Eagles
A-10A Thunderbolt (Early)
Ki-45 tei
ki-45_tei.png
Ki-45 tei
AB RB SB
1.3 1.7 2.3
Research:2 900 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:700 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game
This page is about the Japanese twin-engine fighter Ki-45 tei. For other uses, see Ki-45 (Family).

Description

GarageImage Ki-45 tei.jpg


The Ki-45 tei Toryu is a rank I Japanese twin-engine fighter with a battle rating of 1.3 (AB), 1.7 (RB), and 2.3 (SB). This aircraft was introduced in Update 1.31.

Being a classed as a heavy fighter, the Ki-45 isn't the best in the maneuverability category. However, for a heavy fighter, it maneuvers 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 maneuverability and speed for armament. Instead, the Ki-45s utilize more of an equilibrium between maneuverability, speed, and armament. These are what makes the Ki-45 both a capable dog-fighter, and bomber hunter.

General info

Flight Performance

Characteristics
Stock
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,300 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
546 535 9900 25.2 25.6 16.5 16.5 520
Upgraded
Max Speed
(km/h at 6,300 m)
Max altitude (meters) Turn time (seconds) Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run (meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
 ?  ? 9900  ??.?  ??.?  ??.?  ??.? 520

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
+ -
712.5 350 390 ~11 ~7
Optimal velocities
Ailerons
(km/h)
Rudder
(km/h)
Elevators
(km/h)
Radiator
(km/h)
< 360 < 320 < 450 > 280
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
1,800 m 2,080 hp 2,271 hp
Setting 2
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
5,100 m 1,870 hp 2,042 hp

Survivability and armour

  • 16 mm Steel plates behind the pilot

Armaments

Offensive armament

      Main article: Bombs

The Ki-45 tei can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 250 kg Navy Type Number 25 Model 2 bombs (500 kg total)

Defensive armament

The Ki-45 tei is defended by:

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

Usage in the battles

This variant of the Ki-45, the Ki-45 tei, features the first "schräge musik" armament of the series. Wielding one Ho-204 37 mm cannon and two Ho-5 20 mm cannons, the Ki-45 tei is the definition of a bomber hunter. It's 37 mm cannon allows the Toryu to take down bombers with ease, and its dual 20 mm cannons allow for even more flexibility in the bomber hunting department. Although deadly, the 37 mm cannon only holds 15 rounds, so shot placement is crucial. The round itself also travels fairly slowly in the air, making it hard to hit fast moving enemy fighters. The 20 mm cannons are best used in a secondary weapon role, as they are fixed at an upward angle. To use these weapons, one must bind a key to them via the in-game controls menu (it is on the first page that comes up, basic). Unique to the tei model, this Ki-45's ground attack role is improved due to the ability to equip bombs.

The Ki-45 tei also retains its impressive turn rate from the Ki-45_otsu. Although the aircraft itself is large and presents an "easy target" in many players' minds, the Ki-45 is rather nimble. Use this to your advantage when engaging enemy aircraft. Unfortunately, the Ki-45 is a heavy fighter, meaning its turn time is still not on par with other aircraft such as the F2A-3. In certain cases, the Ki-45 pilot may have to rely on his or her tail gunner to get the job done. The "tei" version of the Ki-45 features a 7.92 mm Type 98 machine gun with 1050 rounds. Although lacklustre, with shot placement it is possible to destroy enemies on the aircraft's tail. Aim for the pilot or the engine, as those are generally the weakest points on most aircraft. If the tailing enemy is a bi-plane, aim for the wings since they are very fragile.

The Toryu is also rather fragile for a heavy fighter. Although it does feature two engines, the Ki-45 does not have very much armor protection. Only the back of the pilot's seat and the nose has armor, leaving both the gunner and engines unprotected. This can prove costly in a fight. If one does find him or herself tailed, call upon teammates for assistance.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Not controllable Not controllable Not controllable Separate Not controllable Not controllable

Modules

Tier Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
I Fuselage Repair Radiator Turret 7 mm 12 in (mod30)
II Compressor Airframe New 7 mm MGs (Turret) Offensive 20 mm
III Wings Repair Engine New 20 mm Cannons
IV Engine Injection Cover New 37 mm Cannons
  • 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.

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Highly powerful 37 mm cannon
  • Good manoeuvrability and climb rate for a heavy fighter
  • Acceptable top speed
  • 16.5 mm of armour in pilot's seat and added armour in the nose around cannon barrel
  • Two engine design
  • Capable of carrying 2 x 250 kg, unlike other Ki-45 variants

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
  • Limited ammunition for all weapons
  • Lack of protection around fuel tanks, engines, and gunner
  • Long cannon reload
  • Pilot is exposed in head-ons
  • Very little anti-fighter capabilities

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 37mm 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 Superfortresses. Special attack groups specifically designed for this purpose formed, but by late 1945 Imperial Japan's fate had been sealed. The Allies allocated the name "Nick" to the Ki-45.

In-game description

"Kawasaki Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei), Model C (D), Type 2 Toryu (Allied reporting name: Nick) twin-engine army fighter

As a result of successful use of the Ki-45 KAI Ko (Tei) as an interceptor fighter, the Kawasaki Company received an order to design a special night version of the Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei) fighter. Featuring the same Mitsubishi Ha-102 engines, the Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei) had a 37 mm Но-203 cannon with 15 rounds mounted in the forward fuselage, a 20 mm Ho-3 cannon with 100 rounds mounted in the lower fuselage, and two 20 mm Но-5 cannons, with 100 rounds each, mounted in the upper fuselage at an angle, similar to the Schräge Musik configuration.

It should be noted that using the 37 mm Но-203 cannon at night often temporarily blinded the pilot after firing.

Radar was to be mounted in the fighter's nose section. But engineering problems did not allow the full implementation of this plan; the radar was fitted in the nose section under the plastic fairing on only one prototype aircraft.

The pilot's station was protected with a 17 mm armored headrest and backrest. The magazine of the Ho-203 cannon was also covered with 13 mm armor sheets, on the front and back. The radio operator/gunner had no armor protection whatsoever.

After American B-29 Superfortress bombers began to raid Japan, the combat load drastically increased for the sentais armed with Ki-45 fighters, which could oppose the American bombers, at least to some extent. From June 1944 on, all units with Ki-45s were lumped into the Air Defence Force of Japan.

Despite their absence of airborne radars, Toryu pilots achieved quite significant results. In particular, pilots of the 4th Sentai chalked up over 150 shot-down American aircraft.

A number of Ki-45 KAI Hei (Tei) aircraft from among those captured within the territory of China were used by the Chinese armed forces, including the People's Liberation Army during the Civil War in 1946-49."

Media

An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.

Read also

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.

Sources

Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:

  • topic on the official game forum;
  • page on aircraft encyclopedia;
  • other literature.


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