Ki-61-Ib (USA) - Revision history

U44629479: Edits

2023-07-17T18:54:17Z

Edits

U120313908: "Flight Performance" and "Survivability and Armour" sections

2023-07-17T17:31:44Z

"Flight Performance" and "Survivability and Armour" sections

U38088265: /* In-game description */ Reformatted

2022-11-16T16:53:55Z

‎In-game description: Reformatted

U44629479: Edits

2022-07-14T20:56:38Z

Edits

U114397528: /* Usage in battles */

2022-07-14T00:29:56Z

‎Usage in battles

U38088265: /* Details */

2022-06-02T14:01:35Z

‎Details

U44629479: Edits

2021-11-01T19:56:26Z

Edits

U105837429: Removal info

2021-11-01T17:33:02Z

Removal info

U38088265: /* Details */ Updated

2021-09-15T14:02:49Z

‎Details: Updated

U44629479: /* Media */ Added skins

2021-05-13T20:21:57Z

‎Media: Added skins

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 {{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.'' -->
-Unlike its more manoeuvrable and agile counterpart, the A6M Reisen, the Ki-61 is more of what one would call an "energy fighter". Compared to the "Zero" it is faster, has a higher climb rate and handles better at higher speeds. This allows the Ki-61 to force the enemys to long fights where the Ki can maintain it's energy more easily
+Unlike its more manoeuvrable and agile counterpart, the A6M Reisen, the Ki-61 is more of what one would call an "energy fighter". Compared to the "Zero" it is faster, has a higher climb rate and handles better at higher speeds. This allows the Ki-61 to force the enemy into long fights where it can maintain its energy more easily.
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 === Survivability and armour ===
 {{Specs-Avia-Armour}}
-* 16 mm Steel Armour Plate at 12° behind the pilot
+* 16 mm (12°) steel plate - Pilot's headrest
-* 12 mm Steel Armour Plate at 12° behind the pilot
+* 12 mm (12°) steel plate - Pilot's seat
-* 8 mm Steel Armour Plate at 48° above the Liquid Cooling System
+* 8 mm (48°) steel plate - Above the liquid cooling system
-<nowiki>*</nowiki>Note that lack of armour over the engine/fuel tanks makes fires and leaks more likely to happen
+The lack of armour over the engine/fuel tanks makes fires and leaks more likely to happen.
 === Modifications and economy ===

@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 {{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.'' -->
-Unlike its more manoeuvrable and agile counterpart, the A6M Reisen, the Ki-61 is more of what one would call an "energy fighter". Compared to the "Zero" it is faster, has a higher climb rate and handles better at higher speeds.
+Unlike its more manoeuvrable and agile counterpart, the A6M Reisen, the Ki-61 is more of what one would call an "energy fighter". Compared to the "Zero" it is faster, has a higher climb rate and handles better at higher speeds. This allows the Ki-61 to force the enemys to long fights where the Ki can maintain it's energy more easily
 {| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
@@ Line 78: / Line 78: @@
 === Survivability and armour ===
 {{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.''
 === Modifications and economy ===

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 The aircraft had been abandoned by the Japanese due to a number of engine malfunctions which were not repairable in the field. The aircraft was meticulously inspected by officers of the US Army's Technical Intelligence and sent to Australia, where it was restored to airworthy condition and had USAAF markings applied to it. This is the aircraft we currently see in-game.
-=== In-game description ===
+{{break}}
 Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien Army Type 3 Model 1Ko (NATO reporting name: Tony) single-engine army fighter
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 It was noted in the report on the test results that the aircraft was exceptionally easy to pilot and that it behaved well practically in all modes of flight and during all manoeuvres, so it represented quite a formidable weapon in the hands of a sufficiently qualified pilot.
 == Media ==

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 '''Arcade battles'''
-The Ki-61 is a jack of all trades, with the guns, speed and turning rate providing most of your kills, and your armor being a secondary advantage in comparison with the Hien's other attributes. The Hien is surprisingly durable for a fighter with little to no armor, but don't count on that to save you.
+The Ki-61 is a jack of all trades, with the guns, speed and turning rate providing most of your kills, and your armour being a secondary advantage in comparison with the Hien's other attributes. The Hien is surprisingly durable for a fighter with little to no armour, but don't count on that to save you.
-The guns on the plane, the four 12.7mm Ho-103's are highly effective, at least in arcade. They can easily destroy a plane with a few bursts, same as another premium, the [[XP-55]]. But only if you load the right rounds, either being stealth or air targets, with both being interchangeable. All that you have to do to get a kill is line your guns on the aiming reticule and fire a few bursts, which should set the target on flames. However the Ki-61 lacks bombs to use agents ground targets, which limits your versatility, but if all goes as it should, you will not need to use them.
+The four 12.7 mm Ho-103 guns are highly effective: they can easily destroy a plane with a few bursts. But only if you load the right rounds, either being Stealth or Air targets, with both being interchangeable. However the Ki-61 lacks bombs to use against ground targets, which limits your versatility.
-The Ki-61 is a multirole fighter that can escort, shoot down bombers or just attack other fighters. However do not try and ground pound because you have no suspended armament, and even if you have a chance during the fight, try not to. If you are too busy attacking ground targets, then you might not see the fighter moving on your six. Only attack ground targets when all of the enemy team is dead.
+The Ki-61 is a multirole fighter that can escort, shoot down bombers or just attack other fighters. However do not try and ground pound because you have no suspended armament.
 '''Realistic battles'''
@@ Line 110: / Line 110: @@
 The Ki-61-Ib utilized four 12.7 mm Ho-103 Japanese machine guns. Generally, they are unreliable and it often takes hundreds of rounds to destroy an enemy plane. This is due to the lack of primer in the rounds themselves. 12.7 mm rounds fired by the M2 Browning may seem to do more damage because they have more primer which dictates how fast the round will exit the barrel. Due to this, it is necessary to get up close to enemies. Aim for the engine, pilot, or fuel tanks if the location is known. Remember to lead with these machine guns, as the rounds are not high velocity.
-The Hien is best utilized as a multi-purpose fighter. Although proficient at energy fighting, the Ki-61 is also generally average at standard maneuvers. It may lose turn fights with some enemy aircraft like the [[A6M2]], but nonetheless it can still be used in multiple roles. The Hien is your standard "jack of all trades". It's not incredibly good at anything it does but it is even across the board. This allows the Hien pilot to choose what role he or she wants to play in the battle. One could play the reserved, high flying energy fighter, or the aggressive low flying dogfighter. The Ki-61 allows these choices.
+The Hien is best utilized as a multi-purpose fighter. Although proficient at energy fighting, the Ki-61 is also generally average at standard manoeuvres. It may lose turn fights with some enemy aircraft like the [[A6M2]], but nonetheless it can still be used in multiple roles. The Hien is your standard "jack of all trades". It's not incredibly good at anything it does but it is even across the board. This allows the Hien pilot to choose what role he or she wants to play in the battle. One could play the reserved, high flying energy fighter, or the aggressive low flying dogfighter. The Ki-61 allows these choices.
 Its armament is not so flexible, as the American captured version is unable to equip bombs or ground targets ammunition. Its weapons, four Ho-103 12.7 mm machine guns, are considered by many to be unreliable and unwieldy. However, with accuracy and shot placement, the large ammunition pool can work to your advantage.
@@ Line 124: / Line 124: @@
 If you are not using MEC, use around 95% throttle when cruising below 3,000 m since the engine will slowly heat up at full throttle. But full throttle is fine at higher altitudes.
-Only elevator trim is available, so when the stick is at its deadzone, the Ki-61 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. Usually, a trim of around -7% is enough. But when carrying the 2x 250kg bombload, no negative trim is needed.
+Only elevator trim is available, so when the stick is at its deadzone, the Ki-61 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. Usually, a trim of around -7% is enough. But when carrying the 2 x 250 kg bombload, no negative trim is needed.
 For dogfighting, it is always safer to enter with an altitude advantage. Most dogfights in sim happen below 3,000m so the Ki-61 can easily climb up to that altitude. As mentioned in the description, its climb rate is actually great, don't get misled by the stat card. Once at an advantageous height, boom & zoom the enemies. The Ki-61 can easily accelerate to more than 550 km/h in a dive which is decently fast but requires more precise manoeuvres to get the correct lead, since the faster you go the smaller the shooting window is. A successful pass will not usually cripple the enemy given you weak firepower, so multiple attacks are needed to destroy one plane. Aside from BnZ, the Ki-61 is also excellent at turn fighting - with the appropriate opponent, of course. Except a few dedicated turn fighters, the Ki-61 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. Note that the Ki-61's roll rate is very average so avoid manoeuvres like scissors.

@@ Line 98: / Line 98: @@
 <!-- ''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).'' -->
 [[File:CockpitImage_Ki-61.jpg|thumbnail|right|The Ki-61's instrument panel.]]
 '''Realistic battles'''
 The Ki-61-Ib utilized four 12.7 mm Ho-103 Japanese machine guns. Generally, they are unreliable and it often takes hundreds of rounds to destroy an enemy plane. This is due to the lack of primer in the rounds themselves. 12.7 mm rounds fired by the M2 Browning may seem to do more damage because they have more primer which dictates how fast the round will exit the barrel. Due to this, it is necessary to get up close to enemies. Aim for the engine, pilot, or fuel tanks if the location is known. Remember to lead with these machine guns, as the rounds are not high velocity.
-The Hien is best utilized as a multi-purpose fighter. Although proficient at energy fighting, the Ki-61 is also generally average at standard manoeuvres. It may lose turn fights with some enemy aircraft like the [[A6M2]], but nonetheless it can still be used in multiple roles. The Hien is your standard "jack of all trades". It's not incredibly good at anything it does but it is even across the board. This allows the Hien pilot to choose what role he or she wants to play in the battle. One could play the reserved, high flying energy fighter, or the aggressive low flying dogfighter. The Ki-61 allows these choices.
+The Hien is best utilized as a multi-purpose fighter. Although proficient at energy fighting, the Ki-61 is also generally average at standard maneuvers. It may lose turn fights with some enemy aircraft like the [[A6M2]], but nonetheless it can still be used in multiple roles. The Hien is your standard "jack of all trades". It's not incredibly good at anything it does but it is even across the board. This allows the Hien pilot to choose what role he or she wants to play in the battle. One could play the reserved, high flying energy fighter, or the aggressive low flying dogfighter. The Ki-61 allows these choices.
 Its armament is not so flexible, as the American captured version is unable to equip bombs or ground targets ammunition. Its weapons, four Ho-103 12.7 mm machine guns, are considered by many to be unreliable and unwieldy. However, with accuracy and shot placement, the large ammunition pool can work to your advantage.
@@ Line 193: / Line 202: @@
 ;Skins
 * [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ki_61_1a_otsu_usa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
@@ Line 200: / Line 210: @@
 == See 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.''
@@ Line 207: / Line 218: @@
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.'' -->
 ;<nowiki>War Thunder Forums:</nowiki>
 * [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/393120-ki-61-otsu/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 ;<nowiki>Other websites:</nowiki>
 * [http://www.airvectors.net/avhien.html [AirVectors<nowiki>]</nowiki> The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien & Ki-100] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210513183234/http://www.airvectors.net/avhien.html Web Archive])
 * [https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-61/263.html [Pacific Wrecks<nowiki>]</nowiki> Ki-61-Ia ''Tony'' Manufacture Number: 263; Tail: XJ002] ([https://web.archive.org/web/20210513182454/https://pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/ki-61/263.html Web Archive])

@@ Line 62: / Line 62: @@
 ! Combat !! Take-off !! Landing !! + !! -
 |-
-| {{Specs|destruction|body}} || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 292 || 282 || 230 || ~11 || ~8
+| 850 <!-- {{Specs|destruction|body}} --> || {{Specs|destruction|gear}} || 292 || 282 || 230 || ~11 || ~8
 |-
 |}

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
 {{About
 | about = Japanese fighter '''{{PAGENAME}}'''
-| usage = other uses
+| usage = other versions
 | link = Ki-61 (Family)
 }}
@@ Line 12: / Line 12: @@
 == 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 premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. It was available in-game for Golden Eagles {{ge}}, but was removed during the [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/529689-planned-economy-changes-in-july-2021 July 2021 Economy Update]. This aircraft is an American-captured version of the [[Ki-61-I otsu]] found in the Japanese tech tree.
+The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a premium rank {{Specs|rank}} American fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. This aircraft is an American-captured version of the [[Ki-61-I otsu]] found in the Japanese tech tree.
-Unlike its more manoeuvrable and agile counterpart, the A6M Reisen, the Ki-61 is more of what one would call an "energy fighter". Compared to the "Zero" it is faster, has a higher climb rate and handles better at higher speeds. This captured version of the Hien has exactly the same stats and armament as the Japanese version. Armed with four 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine guns and plenty of ammunition, the Ki-61-Ib is a more than capable fighter. As a continuation of the Japanese army tree, the Ki-61 is the successor of the earlier Ki-43 Hayabusa. The Hien is faster, has a higher rate of climb, and features a better armament. Utilize these three aspects when facing planes like the Ki-43. In realistic battles, one of the major advantages the Ki-61-Ib has is its climb rate. The stat card may be misleading, but this plane can reach altitudes no enemies will be close to (unless of course, the enemy is another Hien). This allows the Hien to choose when and where it wants to fight. Instead of simply "turning and burning" the Ki-61 is very good at energy fighting, or Boom & Zoom. Once at a high altitude the Hien pilot may choose to dive lower to attack an enemy. If the enemy is not destroyed on the first pass, it is recommended to climb sharply and gain altitude. By doing this, the Hien sets itself up for another attack while not being in the range of the enemy's guns.
+Armed with four 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine guns and plenty of ammunition, the Ki-61-Ib is a more than capable fighter. As a continuation of the Japanese army tree, the Ki-61 is the successor of the earlier Ki-43 Hayabusa. The Hien is faster, has a higher rate of climb, and features a better armament. Utilize these three aspects when facing planes like the Ki-43. In realistic battles, one of the major advantages the Ki-61-Ib has is its climb rate. The stat card may be misleading, but this plane can reach altitudes no enemies will be close to (unless of course, the enemy is another Hien). This allows the Hien to choose when and where it wants to fight. Instead of simply "turning and burning" the Ki-61 is very good at energy fighting, or Boom & Zoom. Once at a high altitude the Hien pilot may choose to dive lower to attack an enemy. If the enemy is not destroyed on the first pass, it is recommended to climb sharply and gain altitude. By doing this, the Hien sets itself up for another attack while not being in the range of the enemy's guns.
 == General info ==
@@ Line 20: / Line 20: @@
 {{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%"
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 For dogfighting, it is always safer to enter with an altitude advantage. Most dogfights in sim happen below 3,000m so the Ki-61 can easily climb up to that altitude. As mentioned in the description, its climb rate is actually great, don't get misled by the stat card. Once at an advantageous height, boom & zoom the enemies. The Ki-61 can easily accelerate to more than 550 km/h in a dive which is decently fast but requires more precise manoeuvres to get the correct lead, since the faster you go the smaller the shooting window is. A successful pass will not usually cripple the enemy given you weak firepower, so multiple attacks are needed to destroy one plane. Aside from BnZ, the Ki-61 is also excellent at turn fighting - with the appropriate opponent, of course. Except a few dedicated turn fighters, the Ki-61 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. Note that the Ki-61's roll rate is very average so avoid manoeuvres like scissors.
-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-61 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 it is better to aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up quite some 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. DO NOT follow behind a bomber's 6 unless you are sure that its tail gunners are unconscious. Chasing behind a bomber makes yourself pretty much stationary for the tail gunners, and you will be showered with bullets.
+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-61 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 it is better to aim for their wings and engines, as the fuselage usually soaks up quite some 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. DO NOT follow behind a bomber's 6 unless you are sure that its tail gunners are unconscious. Chasing behind a bomber makes yourself pretty much stationary for the tail gunners, and you will be showered with bullets.
 '''Enemies worth noting:'''
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 ;Skins
-* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=usa&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=ki_61_1a_otsu_usa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ki_61_1a_otsu_usa Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
 ;Videos
@@ Line 198: / Line 199: @@
 == 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;''
-* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''-->
+* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 == External links ==
 <!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 * ''topic on the official game forum;''
 * ''other literature.'' -->
 ;<nowiki>War Thunder Forums:</nowiki>

@@ Line 190: / Line 190: @@
 == Media ==
 <!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
-{{Youtube-gallery|IXJkEJPOQ9I|'''War Thunder Sub's Choice Ep 30: Ki-61-Ib Hien [Fun Times]'''<br>''By: Jengar''}}
 == See also ==