Kawasaki Ki-100
| Kawasaki Ki-100 | |
|---|---|
|
|
| Type: | Fighter plane |
| Design country: | |
| Manufacturer: | |
| First flight: |
February 1, 1945 |
| Commissioning: |
1945 |
| Number of pieces: |
Ki-100-Ia / b: 396 |
The Kawasaki Ki-100 was a fighter aircraft of the Japanese army in World War II . The Japanese Army Air Force called him a "Type 5 Fighter" (五 式 戦 闘 機). In addition to the Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate , the Ki-100 was one of the best Japanese hunters. It originated from the Kawasaki Ki-61 -II-KAI and was equipped with a 1120 kW Mitsubishi Ha-112-II star engine.
development
In mid-1944 it became apparent that the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, equipped with a Daimler-Benz DB-601 engine built under license, was no longer up to the more modern US fighters. The further development of the engine was subject to technical limits, which is why it was replaced by a 1,120 kW (1,500 hp) Kawasaki Ha-140 engine. The aircraft was now named Ki-61-II . This conversion increased the top speed to 610 km / h. However, the production of the engine collapsed after Allied bombing raids. The 280 cells , which could not be equipped with this engine, were converted to a 1120 kW Mitsubishi Ha-112-II radial engine and were given the designation Ki-100 .
Deliveries of the machines began one month after the first flight on February 1, 1945. The Japanese General Staff was very pleased with the excellent performance of the Ki-100. After slight modifications the Ki-100-Ia was created , after which another 272 aircraft were modified. Subsequent slight modifications then led to the Ki-100-Ib type , which was only used in the last weeks of the war.
Calls
The machine came to the front very quickly and showed excellent characteristics. She could outmaneuver many US fighters, especially at medium altitudes. It was on par with the P-51D Mustangs and the P-47N Thunderbolts . Combating Boeing B-29 bombers was also difficult for the Ki-100, only the Ki-100-II was able to operate at such heights. Since only four machines were built in this version, it was never used against the B-29.
Versions
- Ki-100 (prototypes): Kawasaki Ki-61-II KAI with radial engine.
- Ki-100-Ia: Type 5, modified Ki-61-II KAI
- Ki-100-Ib: fully glazed cabin, Mitsubishi Ha-112-II radial engine, 1,120 kW (approx. 1,520 hp)
- Ki-100-II (prototype): Mitsubishi Ha-112-II Ru with turbocharger, 1,100 kW (approx. 1,500 PS)
Technical specifications
| Parameter | Data (Ki-100 Ia / b Goshikisen ) |
|---|---|
| crew | 1 |
| length | 8.82 m |
| span | 10.48 m |
| Wing area | 20 m² |
| height | 3.75 m |
| Empty mass | 2,525 kg |
| Takeoff mass | 3,495 kg |
| drive | a Mitsubishi Ha-112-II with 1,100 kW (approx. 1,500 PS) |
| Top speed | 590 km / h at an altitude of 6,000 m |
| Range | 2,200 km |
| Service ceiling | 11,000 m |
| Armament | two 20 mm Ho-5 cannons and two 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine guns in the wings |
