War Thunder Wiki - User contributions [en]

Kikka

2024-08-25T18:20:44Z

U74227410: removed outdated information about armament modifications, the otsu mod has been a rank 1 mod since the release of air superiority

{{Specs-Card
|code=kitsuka
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is the first Japanese jet and was a land-based attack plane developed by Nakajima for the IJNAS to attack US warships at high speed and close range with bombs. Taking inspiration from German jet development and advancement, the Kikka, contrary to common belief, was completely domestic in development and role for Japanese needs. Construction of the Kikka was simplified to allow unskilled labor and mass produce the jet plane to build up a large reserve of homeland defense and strike at American vessels. With the war ending, two prototypes were tested, 23 more proto-frames were under construction, and production halted.

In War Thunder, the Kikka is a fast and versatile fighter-bomber introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. It starts with a single 30 mm which can be modified with the 'otsu' mod equipping the second 30 mm. It is crucial to utilize speed, as that is its most significant advantage against most aircraft it encounters. While it can be loaded with up to 800 kg of bombs, it slows the jet down massively due to the added weight, which is not advisable for air combat; against naval and ground targets, it is crucial to dive in at high speed to come in and out while evading anti-air fire with speed.

== General info ==
=== Flight performance ===
{{Specs-Avia-Flight}}


{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max speed (km/h at 0 m - sea level)
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude (metres)
! colspan="2" | Turn time (seconds)
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb (metres/second)
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run (metres)
|-
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
|-
! Stock
| 855 || 842 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.7 || 23.5 || 23.1 || 22.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
|-
! Upgraded
| 894 || 875 || 21.8 || 22.0 || 29.1 || 26.0
|-
|}

==== Details ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
|-
! colspan="6" | Features
|-
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear !! Drogue chute
|-
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || X || 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}} || 558 || 529 || 380 || ~11 || ~5
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
|-
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
|-
| < 590 || < 590 || < 650 || N/A
|-
|}

==== Engine performance ====
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine
! colspan="4" | Aircraft mass
|-
! colspan="2" | Engine name || Number
! colspan="1" | Empty mass || colspan="3" | Wing loading (full fuel, no boosters)
|-
| colspan="2" | Nakajima Ne-20 || 2
| colspan="1" | 2,440 kg || colspan="3" | 228 kg/m2
|-
! colspan="3" | Engine characteristics
! colspan="3" | Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no boosters) || rowspan="2" | Max Takeoff Weight
|-
! Weight (each) || colspan="2" | Type
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
|-
| 470 kg || colspan="2" | Axial-flow turbojet
| 2,654 kg || 2,951 kg || 3,020 kg || 5,000 kg
|-
! colspan="3" | {{Annotation|Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each engine, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="4" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (106%, no booster)
|-
! Condition || 100% || 106%
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel || MTOW
|-
| ''Stationary'' || 572 kgf || 650 kgf
| 0.49 || 0.44 || 0.43 || 0.26
|-
| ''Optimal'' || 572 kgf (0 km/h) || 650 kgf (0 km/h)
| 0.49 || 0.44 || 0.43 || 0.26
|-
|}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|-
! colspan="6" | Booster (Solid-fuel rocket)
! colspan="3" | Aircraft mass
|-
! rowspan="2" | Number || rowspan="2" | Booster weight (each) || rowspan="2" | Fuel weight (each) || rowspan="2" | Burn Time || rowspan="2" | Can be shutdown|| rowspan="2" | Jettisoned after use
! colspan="3" | Mass with full booster fuel (no weapons load)
|-
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
|-
| 2 || 50 kg || 350 kg || 6s || No || Yes
| 3,454 kg || 3,751 kg || 3,820 kg
|-
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | Condition
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Maximum booster thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)|The maximum thrust produced by each booster, while mounted in the aircraft. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="2" rowspan="2" | {{Annotation|Combined engine & booster thrust @ 0 m|The total thrust produced by all engines and boosters. NOTE: Thrust varies significantly depending on speed & altitude.}}
! colspan="3" | Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100% with booster)
|-
! 7m fuel || 20m fuel || 23m fuel
|-
| colspan="2" | ''Stationary'' || colspan="2" | 816 kgf || colspan="2" | ‭2,932‬ kgf
| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.77
|-
| colspan="2" | ''Optimal'' || colspan="2" | 816 kgf (any speed) || colspan="2" | ‭2,932‬ kgf (0 km/h)
| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.77
|-
|}

=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Avia-Armour}}


* 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
* 12.7 mm Steel plates in front of front fuel tank
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the pilot
* 12.7 mm Steel plate behind the rear fuel tank

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

* ''Otsu mod.'' allows the installation of a second 30 mm cannon

Due to the lacklustre firepower while stock, Kikka pilots should prioritize unlocking the Otsu mod as soon as possible. After this, you can either upgrade the flight performance, additional gun upgrades or bombs depending on your preference.

== Armaments ==
{{Specs-Avia-Armaments}}
=== Offensive armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}

{{main|Type 5 (30 mm)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:

* A choice between two presets:
** 1 x 30 mm Type 5 cannon, nose-mounted (50 rpg)
** 2 x 30 mm Type 5 cannon, nose-mounted (50 rpg = 100 total)

=== Suspended armament ===
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}

{{main|Navy Type Number 50 Model 2 (500 kg)|Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 (800 kg)}}

The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

* Without load
* 1 x 500 kg Navy Type Number 50 Model 2 bomb (500 kg total)
* 1 x 800 kg Navy Type Number 80 Model 1 bomb (800 kg total)

== Usage in battles ==

The Kikka has a good acceleration rate for its BR, as well as climb rate, and low top speed compared to later jets. The pilot is quite heavily protected from the front and rear by both armour, and the fuel tanks are self sealing. The (wing mounted) engines, on the other hand, take damage easily, and minor damage to them will further slow the plane to speeds that some props can match.

Its 30 mm guns have a low rate of fire and low ammo count, but are very powerful and can down fighters with a few solid shots. The stock belt is lacking and it is recommended to research and use the tracer belt (HEF-T). There are no AP rounds, the closest thing being the "practice" shell, merely an unfilled HE shell. Strafing is discouraged as the guns simply arent a threat to anything but open-topped vehicles.
[[File:CockpitImage_Kikka.jpg|thumbnail|right|Inside the cockpit of the Kikka]]

The Kikka should be played as a Boom & Zoomer. It has a great roll rate so it can still catch enemies that attempt to dodge it. Many pursuers can be outrun by going into a slight dive, and rolling to avoid enemy fire. Super props like the P-51H-5NA can catch the Kikka in certain situations, though the Kikka's top maintainable speed is much higher than theirs.

To attempt to gain the upper hand on a Kikka, propeller planes should dive from at least 2,000 m above the Kikka to be able to catch it. If the Kikka goes into a tight turn fight, it will generally bleed its energy, making it an easy target to be defeated by prop planes, which is usually the case when a jet attempt to engage a prop in a turnfight.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Early jet fighter that can frequently see prop aircraft
* Can carry either a heavy 800 kg or a 500 kg bomb
* Can use flaps at high speeds (roughly 550 km/h = 341 mph)
* Good at diving as long as it has enough performance modules
* 30 mm cannons are hard hitters
* Good climb rate and vertical performance
* Great energy retention
* Good roll rate
* Exceptional cockpit visibility to the sides/rear

'''Cons:'''

* Limited ammo, only 50 shells per gun
* Somewhat poor turn rate
* Only one 30 mm gun when stock
* Adding payload will hinder handling significantly due to the planes light weight and small size
* Slow if compared to later jets
* Prop planes will out turn you
* Cockpit visibility to the front is noticeably obstructed, with an extremely crude sight in the form of a stick

== History ==

[[File:FighterImage_The second test flight of the Nakajima Kikka.jpg|thumbnail|right|The second test flight of the Kikka - 11th August 1945.]]
The Nakajima Kikka was Japan's first entirely turbojet-powered aircraft, designed as a cheap and fast special attack plane for envisioned decisive battles in the defense of Japan. Whilst a general resemblance can be seen to the German [[Me 262 A-1a|Me 262 Schwalbe]], this is only due to superficial characteristics such as the under-wing engine nacelles and roughly triangular fuselage. In terms of detailed structural design, the two are not directly related.

The Japanese were not able to receive all of the information that was provided through a negotiation on 1944 with the German high command over the licensing for the BMW 003 and Junkers Jumo 004 turbojet engines. Examples and plans were lost with the sinking of submarines that carried the important cargo, however all was not completely lost. A single BMW 003A diagram was saved as it was flown in to Japan separate from the submarine I-29. Upon further inspection of the BMW 003A diagram, the Japanese designers were able to garner enough information in compound with their previous developments to lay out the plans of more feasible turbojets.

This plane is sometimes incorrectly identified in IJN designation as J9N or J9Y, but, like all other Japanese "special attack" (suicide) planes, it was only given the formal name of Kikka ("橘花"). It was formerly called "Kōkoku Nigō Heiki" (興国二号兵器, "Prospering Country Mk.2 Weapon")

[[File:FighterImage_Naval Technical Arsenal Ne-20, 1945.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Ne-20 engine that powered the Kikka]]

Work began on newer engine designs. Ultimately the Kūgishō Ne-20 engine was the one selected which was a Japanese design based on the format of the BMW 003A. The Kikka was developed as a special attack plane to attack vessels from invading fleets. The airframe was simple to mass-produce, and the engines could operate on low-grade fuels. The armament consisted of only a single 500 or 800 kg bomb. However, the prototype aircraft would not fly until August 7th 1945, by which time the Japanese were rapidly running out of time. It would attempt flight again on August 11th 1945, but was heavily damaged during an aborted takeoff due to trouble with the RATO units. That would be the last time the aircraft would fly again as just days later, the surrender of Japan was broadcast over the radio, signalling the end of the Kikka development.

A fighter variant for intercepting B-29s with improved Ne-20 Kai engines and two Type 5 30 mm cannons was under development during 1945, but the war ended before there was a prospect of completing it.

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=kitsuka Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|rN1o7IIsrM8|'''Realistic: Kikka [Valuable Lessons]''' - ''Jengar''|hgi1k_ljFYw|'''The Shooting Range #14''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:16 discusses the Me 262 and the Kikka.}}

== See also ==


* [[Me 262 (Family)]]

== External links ==


* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/414733-nakajima-kikka/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
* [https://airpages.ru/eng/jp/j8n.shtml <nowiki>[Aviation of Word War II]</nowiki> J8N Kitsuka]
* [https://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2021/06/kikka-3.html <nowiki>[SENSHA blog]</nowiki> Japan's First Jet Plane] {{-}} [https://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2020/03/kikka-1.html <nowiki>[Part 1]</nowiki>] {{-}} [https://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2020/05/kikka-2.html <nowiki>[Part 2]</nowiki>] {{-}} [https://sensha-manual.blogspot.com/2021/06/kikka-3.html <nowiki>[Part 3]</nowiki>]

{{AirManufacturer Nakajima}}
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

IJN Yuudachi

2024-08-17T21:25:13Z

U74227410: added a section on survivability and armor, it touches on her lack of armor, low crew count, relatively poor magazine placement/protection and low silhouette

{{Specs-Card
|code=jp_destroyer_yuudachi
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
|market=IJN Yuudachi (Japan)
}}

== Description ==

The '''{{Specs|name}}''' (夕立, [[Abbreviations#.28JP.29_Naval|namesake]]: Evening Squall) was the fourth of ten Shiratsuyu-class destroyers. She was launched in 1936, and participated in many battles and invasions in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. She was referred to by the Allied soldiers as "the Nightmare of Solomon" because of her reputation for taking bold and aggressive measures. Bearing white sails to boost crew morale, these signs were mistaken for white surrender flags, which greatly outraged Allied sailors as Yuudachi was in active combat. She was caught between US ships after a fierce final night battle that left many Allied ships damaged. She mistook them for friendly Japanese ships and flashed the wrong signals at enemy ships, which caused her to be salvoed on with shells and torpedoes, leaving her disabled in the water. The Japanese destroyer Samidare picked up 206 remaining crew, but it was unable to scuttle. The unmanned Yuudachi was sunk by the [[USS Portland]] on 13 November 1942 while drifting in the water with actual white surrender flags, with the US crew ignoring the surrender owing to her earlier actions.

She was introduced during [[Update 1.89 "Imperial Navy"]] as a reward for the [[wt:en/news/6293/current|2019 Operation H.E.A.T event]]. As a Japanese destroyer, weapon layout and configuration shouldn't come as a surprise equipped with 16 torpedoes. As an earlier design, under the Shiratsuyu-class, the stern layout having 2 turrets directly behind each other, lacking a barbette meaning the 2nd turret can only fire broadside. The one unique thing Yuudachi offers is the AA armament which doesn't consist of Type 96 25 mm's, but instead 40 mm ''Pom-Pom'' Vickers cannons, which fire at a slower rate, but last longer and do considerably more damage if hit.

== General info ==
=== Survivability and armour ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Armour}}
The Yuudachi has no armor beyond her steel hull the 0.125 inch antifragmentation armor of the main calliber turrets which isn't rare for destroyers. She has the lowest crew count among 4.7 battle rating destroyers with even a few frigates like the british Whitby class (F-77) or the german Köln F220 having slightly larger crew sizes. Her magazines for the main guns are roughly on par with other countries in size but are slightly higher up and exposed than most other similar ships, with no neraby modules to shield them from potential damage. She does present a slightly lower and longer silhouette than most of her peers which helps her survivability.

=== Mobility ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Mobility}}
''Write about the ship's mobility. Evaluate its power and manoeuvrability, rudder rerouting speed, stopping speed at full tilt, with its maximum forward and reverse speed.''

{{NavalMobility
|SpeedForwardStockAB = 57
|SpeedBackStockAB = 24
|TurnTimeStockAB = 118.866
|TurnSpeedStockAB = 40
}}

=== Modifications and economy ===
{{Specs-Economy}}

== Armament ==
{{Specs-Fleet-Armaments}}
=== Primary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Primary}}

{{main|127 mm/50 3rd Year Type (127 mm)}}

The ''Yuudachi''<nowiki/>'s main armament is comprised of five 127 mm Type 3 cannons in two dual and one single gun turret. Note that none of the turrets are superfiring, requiring a broadside to bring all guns to bear.

The Type 3 cannon is the same one found on most of the modern IJN destroyers. Unfortunately, it suffers from multiple drawbacks such as slow reload and traverse speed. This makes the cannon relatively ineffective against aircraft, coupled with the lack of proximity fuse shells (only time-fused shells are available). It also does not have access to any armour-piercing rounds, limiting its effectiveness against heavy warships. The cannons will do just fine against destroyers and small craft, but the poor rate of fire will leave you unable to win against most other destroyers in a straight up gun battle. However, you are still much more well-armed than reserve destroyers, and can destroy most of them in an even fight.

{{:127 mm/50 3rd Year Type (127 mm)/Ammunition|127 mm Type 1 HE, 127 mm HE-TF}}

=== Secondary armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Secondary}}

{{main|40 mm/62 Vickers (40 mm)}}

The ship's anti-air armament includes two 40 mm cannons mounted near the ship's center, with one gun on each side of the ship. These cannons gain access to time-fused shells, which is unusual for their calibre. While these cannons are not as powerful as the [[Bofors L/60 Mark 1 (40 mm)]], they can still pack quite a punch towards aircraft and small ships. They have a reasonably fast rate of fire, although they will need to reload often. In order to utilize these cannons to their full potential, make sure to max out your crew training for auxiliary cannons so that your AI can take down planes for you. Despite this, the ''Yuudachi'' is not equipped with enough weapons to deal with aircraft alone. Try to stick near friendlies with more automatic cannons who are able to protect you.

The ''Yuudachi'' is not equipped with any other secondary artillery systems.

=== Additional armament ===
{{Specs-Fleet-Additional}}

{{main|Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 (610 mm)|Type 95 depth charge}}

The ''Yuudachi'' is equipped with a very formidable eight torpedo launchers in two quad mounts. In addition, the ship carries an extra set of torpedo reloads, totaling to 16 torpedoes. The torpedoes carried by this destroyer are the very powerful Type 93 Model 1, Mod 2 torpedoes, commonly known as the "Long Lance". These torpedoes have a very lethal warhead; they are the third most powerful torpedoes in the game by explosive mass. They are also incredibly fast and have a very long range, being able to reach over 20 km. This grants the Yuudachi a significant advantage in long range combat, as the torpedoes can outrange even cruisers. It is a good idea to stay out of harm's way and launch torpedoes at the general direction of enemy warships, this will usually lead to a few unlucky enemies running into torpedoes. These torpedoes are capable of sinking most destroyers with one hit, as well as crippling, if not outright destroying cruisers. The torpedo reload feature allows you to carry an extra set of torpedoes in Realistic Battles. In Arcade Battles, they will allow you to fire your second spread of torpedoes faster.

Due to their extreme range, high damage and fast speeds, the torpedoes are by far the most valuable weapons on the ''Yuudachi''.

The warship is equipped with a few depth charge launchers on the ship's stern. Due to the lack of submarines in the game, these weapons are not useful as they require you to get extremely close to an enemy to utilize them. At these ranges, conventional gunfire and torpedoes are more effective.

== Usage in battles ==


Since the ship is revolved mainly around its torpedoes, the effectiveness of the ship is dependant on the map. The Yuudachi excels in long range maps with little to no cover. This combination allows the Yuudachi to stay at long range, far away from most threats, while being able to launch torpedoes that can travel across the entire map.

The ship especially excels in Conquest gamemodes for this reason. Alternatively, it can be a strong ship for the Encounter gamemode, since the torpedoes will allow the Yuudachi to attack the enemy convoy from long range, often from the start of a battle.

Usage of this ship will mostly to be slinging torpedoes from a long range. In Arcade battles, you can fire off as many as you want thanks to unlimited amount of torpedoes. Try to target large groups of ships and fire at a relative average of their heading. It is also a good idea to fire torpedoes at an area that you'd predict multiple ships would pass through, such as choke points. This will allow you to score multiple kills without firing a single shot from your artillery. In Realistic battles, you are limited to only 16 torpedoes so you have to play more conservatively and to release your torpedoes more carefully and at more worthy targets. The Yuudachi is still capable of fighting other ships in an artillery battle, but due to the cannons' low fire rate, you will either need support or have your enemy distracted to win against more modern destroyers. Being a destroyer, the ship is also good at dealing with enemy gunboats and frigates, as you will outgun them at range.

=== Pros and cons ===


'''Pros:'''

* Relatively manoeuvrable
* Equipped with five 127 mm cannons
* Often faces weaker ships thanks to relatively low battle rating
* Has access to the very deadly Long Lance torpedo, and can carry sixteen of them
* Torpedo reloads allow for increased amount of torpedoes, and faster reloading in Arcade Battles
* Premium economy gain

'''Cons:'''

* Poor protection
* Cannons have poor traverse and reload, making them relatively weak overall
* Does not have any access to armour piercing rounds, cannot deal with heavier cruisers without the use of torpedoes
* Lack of lighter, automatic AA guns for short range defence

== History ==


The Yūdachi is one of the Shiratsuyu-class destroyers designed with consideration in the restrictions of the London Naval Treaty in place during the period of 1933-1937. All ten destroyers of this class had histories replete with adventure and combat. They were active in Japan's naval war in the Pacific ocean, the conquests in the Philippines and Indonesia, and the battles of Midway and Guadalcanal.

Especially noteworthy is the Yūdachi's final battle in November of 1942, when, after a nocturnal assault, the small ship found herself at the head of a large squadron that had literally collided head first with American ships defending the Solomon Islands. The American formation was thrown into chaos by this unexpected encounter between fleets. Ships from the opposing sides began to manoeuvre, changed course, and eventually became inextricably intermingled. This led to a horrific 40-minute close combat, in which the Yūdachi found herself behind the enemy front line. Seeing that the squadron's flagship, the battleship Hiei, was taking heavy fire, the commander of the Yūdachi steered his ship into the thickest part of the battle. The destroyer wound up between two ships, both of which attacked her at once: the USS Juneau, a light cruiser, and the USS Aaron Ward, a destroyer. Taking hit after hit, the Yūdachi tried to torpedo the Juneau. The next torpedo volley hit the USS Portland, the hull of which was massively breached as a result. Parts of the damaged aft section caused a "bump steer," and the ship could only move in circles until the end of the battle. Unceasingly firing her artillery at the enemy ships, the Yūdachi mistook the destroyer USS Sterett for a friendly vessel, where she paid for her mistake – the Sterett disabled the Japanese ship's powertrain with a torpedo volley, immobilising the Yūdachi where surviving crew members were evacuated. It wasn't until the following morning that the heavy cruiser the USS Portland, which had been hit by the little destroyer, sank the brave ship with six volleys.

''- From [[wt:en/news/6299/current|Devblog]]''

== Media ==


;Skins

* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=jp_destroyer_yuudachi Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]

== See also ==
''Links to articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example:''

* ''reference to the series of the ship;''
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''

== External links ==


* [[wt:en/news/6299/current|[Development] Yūdachi: The nightmare of the Solomon Islands]]

{{ShipManufacturer Sasebo Naval Arsenal}}
{{Japan destroyers}}
{{Japan premium ships}}