Ki-44-II hei (China) - Revision history

U17577377: IJAAF => IJAAS

2024-04-12T10:25:00Z

IJAAF => IJAAS

U44629479: Edits

2022-09-12T20:01:53Z

Edits

U44629479: Edits

2022-07-05T06:20:46Z

Edits

Show changes

U3312106: /* External links */

2021-01-23T13:10:42Z

‎External links

U38088265: Updated format

2020-12-31T11:42:25Z

Updated format

U13682523: /* Details */

2020-12-28T19:50:10Z

‎Details

U13682523: /* Flight Performance */ Updated table design

2020-12-28T19:49:44Z

‎Flight Performance: Updated table design

U36063762 at 11:53, 24 December 2020

2020-12-24T11:53:07Z

U38088265: /* Pros and cons */

2020-08-15T09:12:48Z

‎Pros and cons

U75945355: /* Pros and cons */

2020-08-15T02:35:45Z

‎Pros and cons

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 <!--''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 If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: 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).''-->
-The design of the Ki-44 ''Shoki'' (Allied Code Name: Tojo) traces back to Nakajima's other infamous IJAAF aircraft; The Ki-43 ''Hayabusa''. Soon after the design of the Ki-43, Nakajima received orders from the Imperial Japanese Army for an interceptor aircraft with a precedence of speed and rate of climb over the traditional manoeuvrability-focused aircraft the Japanese were more known for. Nakajima set to work on the prototype immediately, choosing the company's own Ha-141 radial engine that provided 1,250 in optimal condition. It was similarly constructed to the Ki-43, retaining the excellent Butterfly Combat Flaps and basic design, and carried two 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns and two of the recently designed 12.7 mm Ho-103 HMGs that were based on the American Browning M1921. The aircraft's first flight occurred in 1940 and was involved in tests versus Kawasaki's Ki-60 prototype, which was powered by the German DB 601 engine used in the early Bf 109s, and an imported [[Bf 109 E-7 (Japan)|Bf 109 E]]. Through the many trials and evaluations, it was found to be superior to both designs and was ordered for production under the designation "Army Type 2 Single seat Fighter Model 1A ''Shoki''" and company designation of ''Ki-44-Ia''. The first production variants were fitted with the same armament layout as the prototypes but was found to be lacklustre, so was changed to four Ho-103 HMGs in a model dubbed ''Ki44-Ib''. Only some 40 odd Ki-44-Ias were made including the improved Ib and Ic models.
+The design of the Ki-44 ''Shoki'' (Allied Code Name: Tojo) traces back to Nakajima's other infamous IJAAS aircraft; The Ki-43 ''Hayabusa''. Soon after the design of the Ki-43, Nakajima received orders from the Imperial Japanese Army for an interceptor aircraft with a precedence of speed and rate of climb over the traditional manoeuvrability-focused aircraft the Japanese were more known for. Nakajima set to work on the prototype immediately, choosing the company's own Ha-141 radial engine that provided 1,250 in optimal condition. It was similarly constructed to the Ki-43, retaining the excellent Butterfly Combat Flaps and basic design, and carried two 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns and two of the recently designed 12.7 mm Ho-103 HMGs that were based on the American Browning M1921. The aircraft's first flight occurred in 1940 and was involved in tests versus Kawasaki's Ki-60 prototype, which was powered by the German DB 601 engine used in the early Bf 109s, and an imported [[Bf 109 E-7 (Japan)|Bf 109 E]]. Through the many trials and evaluations, it was found to be superior to both designs and was ordered for production under the designation "Army Type 2 Single seat Fighter Model 1A ''Shoki''" and company designation of ''Ki-44-Ia''. The first production variants were fitted with the same armament layout as the prototypes but was found to be lacklustre, so was changed to four Ho-103 HMGs in a model dubbed ''Ki44-Ib''. Only some 40 odd Ki-44-Ias were made including the improved Ib and Ic models.
 The high landing speeds and comparatively limited manoeuvrability made it unpopular with pilots, who requested an upgraded Ki-43 instead due to the superior agility. Nakajima responded with the Ki-44-II, which sported the more powerful Ha-109 engine which powered the Ki-49 ''Donryu'' medium bomber. The variant also had other minor improvements such as a larger cockpit and a more efficient intercooler. Along side the Ki-44-IIa, the Ki-44-IIc was introduced providing a drastic improvement in firepower, comprising of either 4 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons or 2 x 12.7 mm Ho-103 HMGs and 2 x 40 mm Ho-301 cannons, which proved to be effective when attacking heavy bombers. This improved firepower however, actually worsened the aircraft's reputation with pilots due to the heavier wing loading causing violent reactions to high speed manoeuvres. It gained more respect later on in its service life due to its extreme potency as an interceptor.
-By the end of World War II, relatively few Ki-44s were still in service with the IJAAF. Some of the aircraft used by disbanded Japanese squadrons stationed in China were used by Kuomintang and Communist forces in the resumed Chinese Civil War. Some may have been flown by Japanese mercenaries. After the victory of the Communists and the Kuomintang's retreat to Taiwan, surviving aircraft were used by the newly established PLAAF for a number of years afterwards, though no complete examples exist today.
+By the end of World War II, relatively few Ki-44s were still in service with the IJAAS. Some of the aircraft used by disbanded Japanese squadrons stationed in China were used by Kuomintang and Communist forces in the resumed Chinese Civil War. Some may have been flown by Japanese mercenaries. After the victory of the Communists and the Kuomintang's retreat to Taiwan, surviving aircraft were used by the newly established PLAAF for a number of years afterwards, though no complete examples exist today.
 == Media ==

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 * 10.5 mm Steel plate - headrest
-While it lacks bulletproof glass or self-sealing fuel tanks, the rear armuor is helpful for preventing untimely pilot-snipes from low-calibre machine guns when being chased. Head-ons should be avoided and attacks on bombers should be made with caution.
+While it lacks bulletproof glass or self-sealing fuel tanks, the rear armour is helpful for preventing untimely pilot-snipes from low-calibre machine guns when being chased. Head-ons should be avoided and attacks on bombers should be made with caution.
@@ Line 156: / Line 156: @@
 * In simulator, the Ki-44 is a decent fighter that can do traditional dogfights, some bomber-hunting and some ground pounding. It has great all-round visibility, especially to the sides and the rear thanks to its clear teardrop canopy. However there are lots of thick frames at the front which can get very annoying and obstruct the target in a chase, delaying the pilot's reaction. The glass on the canopy's sides also tend to create dizzying reflections when the sun is near, reducing the visibility a lot. The over-the-nose visibility is average. The wing position (in front of the canopy) means that you cannot see anything at your low 11, 12, 1, 2 o'clock so you have to fly past the target area and look towards 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 o'clock where there is nothing to obstruct your view.
-* The handling is good in general. During a take off the Ki-44 feels nose-heavy without any flaps deployed therefore after retracting the gears and flaps you need to pitch up a bit until the plane picks up some speed. Only elevator trim is available, so when the stick is at its deadzone, the Ki-44 will roll and yaw to the left side. Therefore you always need to pull the stick to the right which can get a bit annoying. It has excellent climb rate of around 14m/s at 400 km/h, with 100% throttle and no MEC. This means that it can get to an ideal altitude of around 3000m very quickly. In a dive it easily accelerates to around 550 km/h while still having responsive controls, however it does not retain the speed well after leveling out. Note that its engine will overheat unbelievably fast. With WEP it heats up to >243° within 15 seconds. Thus you must utilise the WEP only when you have to, for example in a zoom climb or a high yoyo. The good news is, the engine can cool down quick enough for another 15-second WEP.
+* The handling is good in general. During a take off the Ki-44 feels nose-heavy without any flaps deployed therefore after retracting the gears and flaps you need to pitch up a bit until the plane picks up some speed. Only elevator trim is available, so when the stick is at its deadzone, the Ki-44 will roll and yaw to the left side. Therefore you always need to pull the stick to the right which can get a bit annoying. It has excellent climb rate of around 14m/s at 400 km/h, with 100% throttle and no MEC. This means that it can get to an ideal altitude of around 3,000 m very quickly. In a dive it easily accelerates to around 550 km/h while still having responsive controls, however it does not retain the speed well after leveling out. Note that its engine will overheat unbelievably fast. With WEP it heats up to >243° within 15 seconds. Thus you must utilise the WEP only when you have to, for example in a zoom climb or a high yoyo. The good news is, the engine can cool down quick enough for another 15-second WEP.
 * While being more of a BnZ fighter, the Ki-44 also performs excellent at turn fighting - with the appropriate opponent, of course. Except a few dedicated turn fighters, the Ki-44 can out-turn and get on most opponents' tail with combat flaps deployed. Note: do not turn with Spitfires or Zeros, you will never out-turn them. If you see a plane with a streamlined inline engine and large, elliptical wings (Spitfire) or something with rounded wingtips and stabiliser tips, a radial engine and a pointy tail (A6M), try some defensive manoeuvres like barrel rolls or disengage by diving towards a nearby friendly airfield.
 * The Ki-44 has a lovely low stall-speed of around 160 km/h and is also very controllable when getting out of a stall, unlike the preceding I-16. However the handling gets very sluggish when slower than 200 km/h.

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 == 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;''
 * ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
-* ''other literature.''
+* ''other literature.''-->
 {{AirManufacturer Nakajima}}
 {{China fighters}}

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{About
 | about = Chinese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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 | link = Ki-44 (Family)
 }}
 == Description ==
 <!-- ''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 a rank {{Specs|rank}} Chinese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.91 "Night Vision"]]. It has identical performance to the original Japanese [[Ki-44-II hei]].
@@ Line 40: / Line 39: @@
 |-
 ! Upgraded
 | 632 || 606 || 19.7 || 20.0 || 24.5 || 18.8
 |-
 |}
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 * In simulator, the Ki-44 is a decent fighter that can do traditional dogfights, some bomber-hunting and some ground pounding. It has great all-round visibility, especially to the sides and the rear thanks to its clear teardrop canopy. However there are lots of thick frames at the front which can get very annoying and obstruct the target in a chase, delaying the pilot's reaction. The glass on the canopy's sides also tend to create dizzying reflections when the sun is near, reducing the visibility a lot. The over-the-nose visibility is average. The wing position (in front of the canopy) means that you cannot see anything at your low 11, 12, 1, 2 'o clock so you have to fly past the target area and look towards 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 9 'o clock where there is nothing to obstruct your view.
-* The handling is good in general. During a take off the Ki-44 feels nose-heavy without any flaps deployed therefore after retracting the gears and flaps you need to pitch up a bit until the plane picks up some speed. Only elevator trim is available, so when the stick is at its deadzone, the Ki-44 will roll and yaw to the left side. Therefore you always need to pull the stick to the right which can get a bit annoying. It has excellent climb rate of around 14m/s at 400 kph, with 100% throttle and no MEC. This means that it can get to an ideal altitude of around 3000m very quickly. In a dive it easily accelerates to around 550 kph while still having responsive controls, however it does not retain the speed well after leveling out. Note that its engine will overheat unbelievably fast. With WEP it heats up to >243° within 15 seconds. Thus you must utilise the WEP only when you have to, for example in a zoom climb or a high yoyo. The good news is, the engine can cool down quick enough for another 15-second WEP.
+* The handling is good in general. During a take off the Ki-44 feels nose-heavy without any flaps deployed therefore after retracting the gears and flaps you need to pitch up a bit until the plane picks up some speed. Only elevator trim is available, so when the stick is at its deadzone, the Ki-44 will roll and yaw to the left side. Therefore you always need to pull the stick to the right which can get a bit annoying. It has excellent climb rate of around 14m/s at 400 kph, with 100% throttle and no MEC. This means that it can get to an ideal altitude of around 3000m very quickly. In a dive it easily accelerates to around 550 kph while still having responsive controls, however it does not retain the speed well after leveling out. Note that its engine will overheat unbelievably fast. With WEP it heats up to >243° within 15 seconds. Thus you must utilise the WEP only when you have to, for example in a zoom climb or a high yoyo. The good news is, the engine can cool down quick enough for another 15-second WEP.
 * While being more of a BnZ fighter, the Ki-44 also performs excellent at turn fighting - with the appropriate opponent, of course. Except a few dedicated turn fighters, the Ki-44 can out-turn and get on most opponents' tail with combat flaps deployed. Note: do not turn with Spitfires or Zeros, you will never out-turn them. If you see a plane with a streamlined inline engine and large, elliptical wings (Spitfire) or something with rounded wingtips and stabiliser tips, a radial engine and a pointy tail (A6M), try some defensive manoeuvres like barrel rolls or disengage by diving towards a nearby friendly airfield.
 * The Ki-44 has a lovely low stall-speed of around 160 kph and is also very controllable when getting out of a stall, unlike the preceding I-16. However the handling gets very sluggish when slower than 200 kph.
 * When intercepting planes, it is crucial to know what the target is. If it is a bomber/attacker with decent defensive firepower, great turret coverage, or robust protection, then you might want to disengage after some attempts if you don't want to die. From the hard-hitting M2 Browning to the fast-firing MG 15, any gun can critically damage the Ki-44 especially on the engine, fuel tanks, and pilot which can always lead to a later crash. Before attacking try to get an altitude advantage and perform deflection shots. To maximise the damage aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up lots of bullets. Only fire when the bomber passes in front of your guns. This short window might seem inadequate to do anything... and it usually is, unfortunately. The slow velocity, light projectiles and low one-second burst mass usually guarantee no critical damage. However sometimes it only takes one bullet to set the target aflame, if you are lucky.
@@ Line 183: / Line 182: @@
 |-
 | Controllable || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Not controllable
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 45: / Line 45: @@
 ==== Details ====
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 |-
 ! colspan="5" | Features

@@ Line 25: / Line 25: @@
 It is a fast plane, being able to match the speed of almost anything it meets. This is coupled with excellent acceleration, energy retention, high rip speed and low control stiffening, allowing it to pursue after planes that other fighters cannot. The Ki-44 retains the iconic Japanese agility of its country, being able to turn-fight most fighters it encounters, with its high roll rate serving well to keep its targets in sight and to shake off enemies. It is also equal or superior in energy fights to anything it faces, flying loops and energy trapping its foes on a whim.
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 |-
 ! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 5,200 m)
 ! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(meters)
@@ Line 39: / Line 36: @@
 ! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 |-
-| 582 || 566 || {{Specs|ceiling}} || 20.9 || 21.5 || 14.3 || 14.3 || 320
+! Stock
 |-
-! colspan="8" | ''Upgraded''
+! Upgraded
-|-
+| 632 || 606 || 19.7 || 20.0 || 24.5 || 18.8
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 66: / Line 55: @@
 |}
-{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
+{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 |-
-! colspan="5" | Limits
+! colspan="7" | Limits
 |-
-! rowspan="2" | Wing-break speed<br>(km/h)
+! rowspan="2" | Wings (km/h)
-! rowspan="2" | Gear limit<br>(km/h)
+! rowspan="2" | Gear (km/h)
-! rowspan="2" | Combat flaps<br>(km/h)
+! colspan="3" | Flaps (km/h)
 ! colspan="2" | Max Static G
 |-
-! + !! -
+! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|constructions}} || {{Specs|destruction|chassis}} || 400 || ~12 || ~8
+| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 400 || 400 || 250 || ~12 || ~8
 |-
 |}
@@ Line 83: / Line 72: @@
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 |-
-! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities
+! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 |-
-! Ailerons<br>(km/h)
+! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 |-
 | < 400 || < 400 || < 450 || > 335

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-{{Specs-Card|code=ki_44_2_hei_china}}
+{{Specs-Card
 {{About
 | about = Chinese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
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 == General info ==
 === Flight performance ===
 <!--''Describe how the aircraft behaves in the air. Speed, manoeuvrability, acceleration and allowable loads - these are the most important characteristics of the vehicle.''-->
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 === 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, etc. Describe the armour, if there is any, and also mention the vulnerability of other critical aircraft systems.''-->
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 While it lacks bulletproof glass or self-sealing fuel tanks, the rear armor is helpful for preventing untimely pilot-snipes from low-caliber machine guns when being chased. Head-ons should be avoided and attacks on bombers should be made with caution.
 == Armaments ==
 === 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.''-->
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 === 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.''-->

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 === Pros and cons ===
-<!--''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".''-->
+<!-- ''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:'''
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 * Climb rate is better than most equivalent aircraft, at more than 25 m/s spaded
 * Excellent acceleration
-* Has an excellent roll rate and decent turn time comparing to less agile planes like FW190 (utilise combat flaps for tighter manoeuvring)
+* Has an excellent roll rate and decent turn time comparing to less agile planes like the [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190s]] (utilise combat flaps for tighter manoeuvring)
 * Adequate armament for the rank
-* Good cockpit visibility in simulator
+* Good cockpit visibility in Simulator
 '''Cons:'''
-* Mostly faces Japan (facing equally / more maneuverable planes like A6M2)
+* Mostly faces Japan (facing equally/more manoeuvrable planes like [[A6M2]])
 * Engine feels like a plasma reactor, you will overheat within a minute and a half with WEP, using 100% doesn't cool it down quickly enough
 * Has Instructor issues. Rudder and ailerons are very unstable if the plane is banked or at low speed
 * Flaps cause the nose to pitch down hard if used below 150-200 km/h in a steep climb
 * Armament is tricky to use
-* Rather fragile, easily destroyed by Japanese F4U
+* Rather fragile, easily destroyed by [[F4U-1A (Japan)|Japanese F4U]]
 == History ==