Difference between revisions of "Ki-83"

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{{Specs-Card|code=ki-83}}
+
{{Specs-Card
 +
|code=ki-83
 +
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 +
}}
  
 
== 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 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.'' -->
 +
In May of 1943, a specification was sent out by the IJAAS (Imperial Japanese Army Air Service) for a long-range heavy fighter. Tomio Kubo, the designer of the successful Ki-46, and his team took the task of building a plane to meet this specification. Work on the Ki-83 began shortly after the failure of the single-engine Ki-73. The Ki-83 would have two turbocharged 18-cylinder engines each producing a sufficient 2,200 hp. The Japanese conducted test flights with four prototypes during late 1944 and early 1945, however, the bombing campaigns hampered the program. In testing, the Ki-83's sleek airframe and powerful engines could reach an impressive 32,000 feet (9,753 meters) in under 10 minutes. However, continued struggles with logistics and supplies severely hampered the Japanese war effort and the Ki-83 program as a whole. Three prototypes were reportedly destroyed and the last one was seized by America. After a performance evaluation was conducted by the U.S., it was last seen at what is now called O'Hare Airport and was unfortunately most likely scrapped.
 +
 
 +
Introduced in [[Update 1.57 "Battle March"]], the '''{{Specs|name}}''' is an incredibly powerful twin-engine fighter. It has the best climb rate for a propeller-driven aircraft and with an air spawn, it will be one of the highest planes in a match.  It also has an imposing amount of armament with two 30 mm and two 20 mm cannons mounted within the nose with an ample amount of ammunition. The Ki-83 does have access to two 50 kg bombs but they are incredibly weak and not worth the performance detriment. The Ki-83 is a very dangerous aircraft in the right hands with its immense performance, guns, and manoeuvrability.
  
 
== 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.''
+
{{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%"
 +
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 +
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 9,500 m)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 +
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 +
! colspan="2" | Rate of climb<br>(metres/second)
 +
! rowspan="2" | Take-off run<br>(metres)
 +
|-
 +
! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB !! AB !! RB
 +
|-
 +
! Stock
 +
| 681 || 661 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 24.3 || 25.4 || 17.0 || 17.0 || rowspan="2" | 420
 +
|-
 +
! Upgraded
 +
| 735 || 704 || 23.8 || 24.0 || 27.5 || 21.7
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==== Details ====
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="50%"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="5" | Features
 +
|-
 +
! Combat flaps !! Take-off flaps !! Landing flaps !! Air brakes !! Arrestor gear
 +
|-
 +
| ✓ || ✓ || ✓ || 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}} || 525 || 479 || 420 || ~14 || ~5
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
 +
|-
 +
! colspan="4" | Optimal velocities (km/h)
 +
|-
 +
! Ailerons !! Rudder !! Elevators !! Radiator
 +
|-
 +
| < 460 || < 500 || < 520 || > 330
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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.''
+
{{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.'' -->
 +
 
 +
* 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 +
* 12 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
 +
* 12 mm Steel plate in the nose.
 +
* 8 mm Steel plate in the fuselage.
 +
 
 +
=== Modifications and economy ===
 +
{{Specs-Economy}}
  
 
== Armaments ==
 
== Armaments ==
 +
{{Specs-Avia-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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Offensive}}
 +
<!-- ''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-155 (30 mm)|Ho-5 (20 mm)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' is armed with:
 +
 
 +
* 2 x 30 mm Ho-155 cannons, nose-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
 +
* 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 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.''
+
{{Specs-Avia-Suspended}}
 +
<!-- ''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.'' -->
 +
{{main|Army Type 94 GPHE (50 kg)}}
 +
 
 +
The '''''{{PAGENAME}}''''' can be outfitted with the following ordnance:
 +
 
 +
* Without load
 +
* 2 x 50 kg Army Type 94 GPHE bombs (100 kg total)
  
−
=== Defensive armament ===
+
== Usage in battles ==
−
''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.''
+
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 +
The Ki-83 is truly an extraordinary aeroplane, boasting an often superior climb rate, top speed, and agility versus other propeller-driven aircraft. Ideally, all three would be utilised to bring the Ki-83 it's maximum effectiveness. The favoured tactic is to use the amazing rate of climb to get above your enemies. Upon take-off, pitch up into a 25 - 30-degree climb while using WEP. Once your engines begin to overheat (typically about 3,000 m) then decrease the throttle to 95% or 100% and continue at a 15 - 20-degree angle. A good altitude to level off at is anywhere from 6,500 m and upwards, but keep in mind other planes typically don't venture past 8,000 m. Once at your desired altitude, initiate Boom & Zoom attacks on any enemy aircraft beneath you. In the dive on the enemy aircraft, consider bringing the throttle to 90% or 85% instead of using WEP the entire way down to cool the engines. Don't worry, even without WEP the Ki-83 still dives like a beast. If you miss the initial pass, fret not! Simply increase the throttle back to the WEP setting and zoom climb away. If the enemy aircraft tries to follow you, execute some evasive rolls to throw off their aim, and then pull a hammerhead (once they have stalled out) by bringing the throttle to 0% and extending the landing flaps. Once the nose is pointed at the ground, retract the flaps and push the throttle back to 100%. Often, the enemy aircraft will not have had sufficient time to recover from the stall, and your 2 x 20 mm and 2 x 30 mms will make quick work of their aeroplane.
  
−
== Usage in the battles ==
+
However, sometimes you will find yourself in a situation with an enemy on your 6. Now is the time to use one of the Ki-83's most surprising strengths -- its agility. Use a mixture of pitch changes (nosing up or down) and rolls to shake off the opponent's aim if they are diving on you to force them to overshoot. If you're lucky, you may even get a firing solution on them as they zoom away. Be cautious though, the late war props and jets that you will face at this BR can often out climb you if they had the energy advantage first.
−
''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).''
+
 
 +
Should a situation arise in which you need to dogfight an enemy, this is not the worst plane to be in for this scenario. Combat flaps can be deployed at speeds under 525 km/h (352 mph), and landing flaps under 425 km/h (265 mph). The Ki-83 shines most in a horizontal turning fight (especially with landing flaps deployed), as a vertical turning engagement can often bleed speed too fast and leave the Ki-83 a sitting duck to a plane that is more adept at vertical manoeuvres, such as a Spitfire.
 +
 
 +
When engaging bombers, be wary of their gunners and aim for their tails (to disable elevator control) and engines (to either break their wings, set their fuel on fire, or knock out engines). If you have the opportunity to engage the bomber head-on, take it. Aim for the pilots for a quick and easy pilot snipe. Do mind that the velocity on your 30 mm guns' tracer and standard high explosive shells are very different, the tracers have a speed of 920 m/s whereas the more effective ones have only 720, so aiming your tracers a little high can have better results than trying to land the visible shells on the target. This problem can be eliminated by mounting the all-tracers belt (made up exclusively of high explosive tracer rounds), which share the same ballistic properties and cause decent damage on hit (although less than the HE-F shells). Mounting the ground targets belt (in which all shells have the same speed, although 2 out of every 3 are much less effective against aircraft, particularly at range) or even the stealth belt, which is mostly comprised of shells sharing the same low velocity and lacks the misleading tracer phenomenon.
 +
 
 +
=== 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 || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Controllable<br>Not auto controlled || Separate || Controllable<br>2 gears || Auto controlled
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 
=== 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".''
+
<!-- ''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:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
−
*
+
 
 +
* Very good climb-rate (excellent for a heavy fighter)
 +
* Excellent firepower
 +
* Great top speed at all altitudes
 +
* Extraordinary energy retention
 +
* High red-line speed, can go over 800 km/h in a dive
 +
* Fast at diving
 +
* Arguably Japan's top propeller-driven fighter
 +
* Good firepower, featuring the Ho-155
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
−
*
 
  
−
== Historical part ==
+
* Big target
−
''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/index.php?title=Name-vehicles/historical reference) and add a link to it here using the main template. Be sure to include links to sources at the end of the article.''
+
* No engine armour
 +
* Limited ammo supply for a heavy fighter
 +
* No self-sealing fuel tanks catch fire easily and often doesn't take it out
 +
* Engines overheat very quickly if manual engine control (MEC) is not used properly
 +
* Loses a lot of performance once the engines are hit
 +
* Hard to cool the engines down if they are damaged
 +
* Below-average rate of roll
 +
* High repair cost in RB/SB
 +
 
 +
== 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 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 Mitsubishi Ki-83 was an experimental heavy fighter designed near the end of WWII. Though it failed to reach production status, four prototypes were built. The aircraft was designed in response to a requirement for a new heavy fighter. The design team, led by lead designer Tomio Kubo, had previously worked on the Ki-46 'Dinah' twin-engined reconnaissance aircraft.
 +
 
 +
The aircraft was to be powered by a pair of Mitsubishi Ha-43 radial engines, each producing 2,200 hp at takeoff. The aircraft was armed with a substantial armament of two 20 mm Ho-5 cannons and two 30 mm Ho-155 cannons. The aircraft had a sleek, clean fuselage that was optimized for aerodynamics. During tests, the aircraft was shown to have excellent manoeuvrability and performance for an aircraft of its size, and also experienced much less engine problems than the preceding Ki-73.
 +
 
 +
Four prototype Ki-83 aircraft were built, but the war ended before full-scale production could begin. The aircraft was virtually unknown in Allied intelligence circles, hence why the aircraft lacked a reporting name. After the war, the USAF seized all four Ki-83 airframes, which were brought back to the United States for testing. One fighter, using high-octane fuel, was able to attain 762 km/h at 7,000 m altitude. The Air Force concluded that the Ki-83 was overall an excellent heavy fighter. However, the tides had turned against Japan's favour by the time the aircraft was developed, meaning that it would never see combat service.
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
−
''An excellent addition to the article will be video guides, as well as screenshots from the game and photos.''
+
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 +
 
 +
;Skins
 +
 
 +
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=ki-83 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
−
== Read also ==
+
;Videos
−
''Links to the articles on the War Thunder Wiki that you think will be useful for the reader, for example,''
+
{{Youtube-gallery|TQEq6hjxGdM|'''The Shooting Range #292''' - ''Metal Beasts'' section at 00:28 discusses the {{PAGENAME}}.}}
 +
 
 +
== 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;''
 
* ''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.''
+
 
 +
;Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era
 +
 
 +
* [[J5N1]]
  
−
== Sources ==
+
== 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;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''page on aircraft encyclopedia;''
+
* ''other literature.''-->
−
* ''other literature.''
+
 
 +
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/303444-mitsubishi-ki-83/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 +
 
 +
{{AirManufacturer Mitsubishi}}
 +
{{Japan twin-engine fighters and attackers}}

Latest revision as of 18:26, 19 December 2023

Introducing Wiki 3.0
Ki-83
ki-83.png
GarageImage Ki-83.jpg
ArtImage Ki-83.png
Ki-83
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.0
Class:
Research:63 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:200 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

In May of 1943, a specification was sent out by the IJAAS (Imperial Japanese Army Air Service) for a long-range heavy fighter. Tomio Kubo, the designer of the successful Ki-46, and his team took the task of building a plane to meet this specification. Work on the Ki-83 began shortly after the failure of the single-engine Ki-73. The Ki-83 would have two turbocharged 18-cylinder engines each producing a sufficient 2,200 hp. The Japanese conducted test flights with four prototypes during late 1944 and early 1945, however, the bombing campaigns hampered the program. In testing, the Ki-83's sleek airframe and powerful engines could reach an impressive 32,000 feet (9,753 meters) in under 10 minutes. However, continued struggles with logistics and supplies severely hampered the Japanese war effort and the Ki-83 program as a whole. Three prototypes were reportedly destroyed and the last one was seized by America. After a performance evaluation was conducted by the U.S., it was last seen at what is now called O'Hare Airport and was unfortunately most likely scrapped.

Introduced in Update 1.57 "Battle March", the Ki-83 is an incredibly powerful twin-engine fighter. It has the best climb rate for a propeller-driven aircraft and with an air spawn, it will be one of the highest planes in a match. It also has an imposing amount of armament with two 30 mm and two 20 mm cannons mounted within the nose with an ample amount of ammunition. The Ki-83 does have access to two 50 kg bombs but they are incredibly weak and not worth the performance detriment. The Ki-83 is a very dangerous aircraft in the right hands with its immense performance, guns, and manoeuvrability.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 9 500 m704 km/h
Turn time24 s
Max altitude12 600 m
Engine2 х Mitsubishi Ha-211 Ru
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight10 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 9,500 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 681 661 12600 24.3 25.4 17.0 17.0 420
Upgraded 735 704 23.8 24.0 27.5 21.7

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
870 310 525 479 420 ~14 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 460 < 500 < 520 > 330

Survivability and armour

Crew2 people
Speed of destruction
Structural870 km/h
Gear310 km/h
  • 60 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 12 mm Steel plate behind the pilot.
  • 12 mm Steel plate in the nose.
  • 8 mm Steel plate in the fuselage.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 971 → 3 805 Sl icon.png
RB6 889 → 8 824 Sl icon.png
SB10 317 → 13 216 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications52 800 Rp icon.png
90 900 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 700 Ge icon.png
Crew training57 000 Sl icon.png
Experts200 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 100 Ge icon.png
Research Aces520 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
100 / 230 / 490 % Sl icon.png
172 / 172 / 172 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ho5_belt_pack
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 000 Sl icon.png
200 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ho5_new_gun
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 900 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
ho155_belt_pack
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 600 Sl icon.png
250 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods weapon.png
ho155_new_gun
Research:
5 700 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
330 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 12 x 30 mm Ho-155 cannon
Ammunition200 rounds
Fire rate500 shots/min
Weapon 22 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannon
Ammunition400 rounds
Fire rate948 shots/min
Main articles: Ho-155 (30 mm), Ho-5 (20 mm)

The Ki-83 is armed with:

  • 2 x 30 mm Ho-155 cannons, nose-mounted (100 rpg = 200 total)
  • 2 x 20 mm Ho-5 cannons, nose-mounted (200 rpg = 400 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (1)
Setup 12 x 50 kg Army Type 94 GPHE bomb
Main article: Army Type 94 GPHE (50 kg)

The Ki-83 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 50 kg Army Type 94 GPHE bombs (100 kg total)

Usage in battles

The Ki-83 is truly an extraordinary aeroplane, boasting an often superior climb rate, top speed, and agility versus other propeller-driven aircraft. Ideally, all three would be utilised to bring the Ki-83 it's maximum effectiveness. The favoured tactic is to use the amazing rate of climb to get above your enemies. Upon take-off, pitch up into a 25 - 30-degree climb while using WEP. Once your engines begin to overheat (typically about 3,000 m) then decrease the throttle to 95% or 100% and continue at a 15 - 20-degree angle. A good altitude to level off at is anywhere from 6,500 m and upwards, but keep in mind other planes typically don't venture past 8,000 m. Once at your desired altitude, initiate Boom & Zoom attacks on any enemy aircraft beneath you. In the dive on the enemy aircraft, consider bringing the throttle to 90% or 85% instead of using WEP the entire way down to cool the engines. Don't worry, even without WEP the Ki-83 still dives like a beast. If you miss the initial pass, fret not! Simply increase the throttle back to the WEP setting and zoom climb away. If the enemy aircraft tries to follow you, execute some evasive rolls to throw off their aim, and then pull a hammerhead (once they have stalled out) by bringing the throttle to 0% and extending the landing flaps. Once the nose is pointed at the ground, retract the flaps and push the throttle back to 100%. Often, the enemy aircraft will not have had sufficient time to recover from the stall, and your 2 x 20 mm and 2 x 30 mms will make quick work of their aeroplane.

However, sometimes you will find yourself in a situation with an enemy on your 6. Now is the time to use one of the Ki-83's most surprising strengths -- its agility. Use a mixture of pitch changes (nosing up or down) and rolls to shake off the opponent's aim if they are diving on you to force them to overshoot. If you're lucky, you may even get a firing solution on them as they zoom away. Be cautious though, the late war props and jets that you will face at this BR can often out climb you if they had the energy advantage first.

Should a situation arise in which you need to dogfight an enemy, this is not the worst plane to be in for this scenario. Combat flaps can be deployed at speeds under 525 km/h (352 mph), and landing flaps under 425 km/h (265 mph). The Ki-83 shines most in a horizontal turning fight (especially with landing flaps deployed), as a vertical turning engagement can often bleed speed too fast and leave the Ki-83 a sitting duck to a plane that is more adept at vertical manoeuvres, such as a Spitfire.

When engaging bombers, be wary of their gunners and aim for their tails (to disable elevator control) and engines (to either break their wings, set their fuel on fire, or knock out engines). If you have the opportunity to engage the bomber head-on, take it. Aim for the pilots for a quick and easy pilot snipe. Do mind that the velocity on your 30 mm guns' tracer and standard high explosive shells are very different, the tracers have a speed of 920 m/s whereas the more effective ones have only 720, so aiming your tracers a little high can have better results than trying to land the visible shells on the target. This problem can be eliminated by mounting the all-tracers belt (made up exclusively of high explosive tracer rounds), which share the same ballistic properties and cause decent damage on hit (although less than the HE-F shells). Mounting the ground targets belt (in which all shells have the same speed, although 2 out of every 3 are much less effective against aircraft, particularly at range) or even the stealth belt, which is mostly comprised of shells sharing the same low velocity and lacks the misleading tracer phenomenon.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Auto controlled

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Very good climb-rate (excellent for a heavy fighter)
  • Excellent firepower
  • Great top speed at all altitudes
  • Extraordinary energy retention
  • High red-line speed, can go over 800 km/h in a dive
  • Fast at diving
  • Arguably Japan's top propeller-driven fighter
  • Good firepower, featuring the Ho-155

Cons:

  • Big target
  • No engine armour
  • Limited ammo supply for a heavy fighter
  • No self-sealing fuel tanks catch fire easily and often doesn't take it out
  • Engines overheat very quickly if manual engine control (MEC) is not used properly
  • Loses a lot of performance once the engines are hit
  • Hard to cool the engines down if they are damaged
  • Below-average rate of roll
  • High repair cost in RB/SB

History

The Mitsubishi Ki-83 was an experimental heavy fighter designed near the end of WWII. Though it failed to reach production status, four prototypes were built. The aircraft was designed in response to a requirement for a new heavy fighter. The design team, led by lead designer Tomio Kubo, had previously worked on the Ki-46 'Dinah' twin-engined reconnaissance aircraft.

The aircraft was to be powered by a pair of Mitsubishi Ha-43 radial engines, each producing 2,200 hp at takeoff. The aircraft was armed with a substantial armament of two 20 mm Ho-5 cannons and two 30 mm Ho-155 cannons. The aircraft had a sleek, clean fuselage that was optimized for aerodynamics. During tests, the aircraft was shown to have excellent manoeuvrability and performance for an aircraft of its size, and also experienced much less engine problems than the preceding Ki-73.

Four prototype Ki-83 aircraft were built, but the war ended before full-scale production could begin. The aircraft was virtually unknown in Allied intelligence circles, hence why the aircraft lacked a reporting name. After the war, the USAF seized all four Ki-83 airframes, which were brought back to the United States for testing. One fighter, using high-octane fuel, was able to attain 762 km/h at 7,000 m altitude. The Air Force concluded that the Ki-83 was overall an excellent heavy fighter. However, the tides had turned against Japan's favour by the time the aircraft was developed, meaning that it would never see combat service.

Media

Skins
Videos
The Shooting Range #292 - Metal Beasts section at 00:28 discusses the Ki-83.

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links


Mitsubishi Company (三菱商会)
Fighters  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
Hydroplanes  F1M2
Interceptors  Ki-83 · Ki-109
Bombers  G4M1
  Ki-21-Ia · Ki-21-I hei · Ki-67-I Ko · Ki-67-I otsu
Jet Fighters  Ki-200
Captured  ▃A6M2 · ␗A6M2
See also  Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. (Post-War)

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

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