Difference between revisions of "Kikka"

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m (removed outdated information about armament modifications, the otsu mod has been a rank 1 mod since the release of air superiority)
 
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=kitsuka
 
|code=kitsuka
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== 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.'' -->
 
<!-- ''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}} Japanese jet fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]].
+
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.
  
The Kikka is a well-armed and powerful fighter-bomber. It starts out with a single 30 mm and you will have to research the 'otsu' mod before you can obtain the second 30 mm. It is important you utilize your speed to your advantage, as that is its biggest advantage against most aircraft it encounters. A good turner at high speed, but at low speed you may find it difficult to turn, as well as to regain your speed. Always maintain an energy advantage over your enemies, so you can quickly engage and disengage your targets. Never try to keep on them unless you know you have the advantage. The Kikka is a small aircraft which has great acceleration and climb, so it shines in vertical energy retention. It is recommended you do not 'head-on' other targets until you have acquired the ''Otsu'' mod. The Kikka is a very durable and well armoured aircraft, so it can take a multiple hits in a head-on.
+
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.
 
 
Regarding its bombing capabilities, equipping a bomb (either 500kg or 800kg, both of which are heavy) makes the Kikka significantly slower and more difficult to control. Speed is a must with the Kikka, and it is recommended you perform high-speed dive bombing to ensure both the destruction of your target and escaping slower pursuers. The speed previously gained in a dive can now be maintained by your unburdened plane. Make sure to use the rocket boosters to take off, or else the aircraft will have significant difficulty taking off with bombs equipped, and you will be unable to retract its landing gear.
 
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center" width="70%"
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
 
! rowspan="2" | Characteristics
! colspan="2" | Max Speed<br>(km/h at 3,000 m)
+
! colspan="2" | Max speed<br>(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! rowspan="2" | Max altitude<br>(metres)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
 
! colspan="2" | Turn time<br>(seconds)
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|-
 
|-
 
! Stock
 
! Stock
| 785 || 773 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 26.5 || 27.4 || 19.5 || 18.4 || rowspan="2" | 750
+
| 855 || 842 || rowspan="2" | {{Specs|ceiling}} || 22.7 || 23.5 || 23.1 || 22.3 || rowspan="2" | 750
 
|-
 
|-
 
! Upgraded
 
! Upgraded
| 814 || 802 || 26.0 || 26.4 || 28.1 || 23.8
+
| 894 || 875 || 21.8 || 22.0 || 29.1 || 26.0
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
|}
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| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.77
 
| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.77
 
|-
 
|-
| colspan="2" | ''Optimal'' || colspan="2" | 816 kgf<br />(any speed) || colspan="2" | ‭2,932‬ kgf<br />(0kph)
+
| colspan="2" | ''Optimal'' || colspan="2" | 816 kgf<br />(any speed) || colspan="2" | ‭2,932‬ kgf<br />(0 km/h)
 
| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.77
 
| 0.85 || 0.78 || 0.77
 
|-
 
|-
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* ''Otsu mod.'' allows the installation of a second 30 mm cannon
 
* ''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 ==
 
== Armaments ==
Line 174: Line 174:
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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 Kikka has a good acceleration rate for it's 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 armor, 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.
+
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 guns are very powerful and can down fighters with a few solid shots, but they sometimes spark upon impact and do no damage.
+
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]]
 
[[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.
+
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.
 
 
Super props like the P-51H-5NA can also 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.
 
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.
Line 206: Line 204:
 
* Only one 30 mm gun when stock
 
* Only one 30 mm gun when stock
 
* Adding payload will hinder handling significantly due to the planes light weight and small size
 
* Adding payload will hinder handling significantly due to the planes light weight and small size
* Slow for a jet
+
* Slow if compared to later jets
 
* Prop planes will out turn you
 
* Prop planes will out turn you
* Cockpit visibility to the front is noticeably obstructed, with an extremely crude (merely a vertical stick, not so far from the idea of the front sight of suppressor-height pistols) sight
+
* Cockpit visibility to the front is noticeably obstructed, with an extremely crude sight in the form of a stick
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too 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).'' -->
 
<!-- ''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).'' -->
 
[[File:FighterImage_The second test flight of the Nakajima Kikka.jpg|thumbnail|right|The second test flight of the Kikka - 11th August 1945.]]
 
[[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 or Kitsuka as it is also known, was Japan's first entirely jet-powered aircraft, based loosely on the information they had received on the German [[Me_262_A-1a|Me 262 Schwalbe]]. Whilst the clear resemblance can be seen, 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 licencing for plans on both the Me 262, BMW 003 and Junkers Jumo 004 Turbojet engines. Examples and plans were lost with the sinking on a I-29 Submarine that carried the important cargo, however all was not completely lost. Parts of the designs were saved as they were flown in to Japan separate from the Submarine. Upon further inspection of the BMW 003A plans, the Japanese designers found it somewhat similar to their own Ne 12, with the major differences being the German engine used a axial-flow compressor rather than a centrifugal compressor.
+
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.
  
[[File:FighterImage_Naval Technical Arsenal Ne-20, 1945.jpg|thumbnail|left|The Ne 20 engine that powered the Kikka]]
+
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.
  
Work began on newer engine designs. but ultimately the Ishikawajima Ne 20 engine was the one selected which was an indigenous Japanese design based on the knowledge of the German engines. The Kikka would be noticeably smaller than the German design, with more straight wings as opposed to the swept back leading edge of the [[Me_262_A-1a|Schwalble]]. Rather than the 4 x 30 mms cannons on the [[Me_262_A-1a|262]], the Kikka would use just one or two Type 5 30 mm cannons. The ever increasing pressure from the B-29 raids ensured that aircraft such as the Kikka were a high priority for the Japanese as interceptor aircraft. However the aircraft would not fly until August 7th 1945, by which time, the Japanese were rapidly running out of time. It would fly again on the 11th August 1945, suffering a crash landing which damaged the aircraft and its engines severely. That would be the last time the aircraft would fly again as just days later, the surrender of Japan was broadcast over the radio, signaling the end of the Kikka development.
+
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.
  
{{Clear}}
 
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
 
<!-- ''Excellent additions to the article would be video guides, screenshots from the game, and photos.'' -->
{{Youtube-gallery|hgi1k_ljFYw|'''The Shooting Range #14''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 06:16 discusses the Me 262 and the Kikka.}}
+
 
 +
;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 ==
 
== 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.'' -->
  
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
+
* [[Me 262 (Family)]]
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.''
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== 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;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.''-->
 
* ''other literature.''-->
  
 
* [https://forum.warthunder.com/index.php?/topic/414733-nakajima-kikka/ Official data sheet - more details about the performance]
 
* [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}}
 
{{AirManufacturer Nakajima}}
 
{{Japan jet aircraft}}
 
{{Japan jet aircraft}}

Latest revision as of 18:20, 25 August 2024

kitsuka.png
GarageImage Kikka.jpg
ArtImage Kikka.png
Kikka
AB RB SB
7.0 7.0 6.7
Research:82 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:240 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The Kikka 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

Max speed
at 0 m875 km/h
Turn time22 s
Max altitude12 500 m
Engine2 х Nakajima Ne-20
TypeJet
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight5 t
Characteristics Max speed
(km/h at 0 m - sea level)
Max altitude
(metres)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(metres/second)
Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 855 842 12500 22.7 23.5 23.1 22.3 750
Upgraded 894 875 21.8 22.0 29.1 26.0

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear Drogue chute
X X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
980 380 558 529 380 ~11 ~5
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 590 < 590 < 650 N/A

Engine performance

Engine Aircraft mass
Engine name Number Empty mass Wing loading (full fuel, no boosters)
Nakajima Ne-20 2 2,440 kg 228 kg/m2
Engine characteristics Mass with fuel (no weapons load, no boosters) Max Takeoff
Weight
Weight (each) Type 7m fuel 20m fuel 23m fuel
470 kg Axial-flow turbojet 2,654 kg 2,951 kg 3,020 kg 5,000 kg
Maximum engine thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB) 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
Booster (Solid-fuel rocket) Aircraft mass
Number Booster
weight (each)
Fuel
weight (each)
Burn
Time
Can be
shutdown
Jettisoned
after use
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
Condition Maximum booster
thrust @ 0 m (RB / SB)
Combined engine
& booster thrust @ 0 m
Thrust to weight ratio @ 0 m (100% with booster)
7m fuel 20m fuel 23m fuel
Stationary 816 kgf ‭2,932‬ kgf 0.85 0.78 0.77
Optimal 816 kgf
(any speed)
‭2,932‬ kgf
(0 km/h)
0.85 0.78 0.77

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural980 km/h
Gear380 km/h
  • 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

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 931 → 4 405 Sl icon.png
RB7 465 → 11 219 Sl icon.png
SB11 128 → 16 725 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications72 300 Rp icon.png
118 200 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 900 Ge icon.png
Crew training68 000 Sl icon.png
Experts240 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 400 Ge icon.png
Research Aces620 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
130 / 310 / 600 % Sl icon.png
184 / 184 / 184 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 800 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods jet engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
18 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
29 000 Sl icon.png
660 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
Mods cannon.png
Otsu mod.
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 800 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
14 in (mod. 41)
Research:
4 800 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 800 Sl icon.png
175 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type5_belt_pack
Research:
5 300 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 600 Sl icon.png
195 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
type5_new_gun
Research:
12 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
20 000 Sl icon.png
440 Ge icon.png
  • 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

Offensive armament

Main article: Type 5 (30 mm)

The Kikka 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

The Kikka 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.

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

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 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")

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.

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Nakajima Aircraft Company (中島飛行機株式会社 )
Fighters  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
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  B6N1 Model 11 · B6N2 Model 12 · B6N2a Model 12Ko
  G5N1 · G8N1
  Ki-49-I · Ki-49-IIa · Ki-49-IIb · Ki-49-IIb/L
Recon  E8N2
Jet Fighters  Kikka
Captured  ␗Ki-27 otsu · ▃Ki-43-II · ␗Ki-43-III ko · ␗Ki-44-II hei · ␗Ki-84 ko
  *Refit of the Mitsubishi A6M2 mod. 11
See also  Fuji Heavy Industries (1957-2017)

Japan jet aircraft
IJNAS 
Experimental  Kikka
Reconnaissance  R2Y2 Kai V1 · R2Y2 Kai V2 · R2Y2 Kai V3
IJAAS 
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JASDF 
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  F-104J
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  F-16AJ
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Trainers  T-2 Early · T-2
Foreign 
Thailand  ▄AV-8S · ▄F-5E FCU