27.05.2008, 04:10
In the meantime I have a little second hand info laying around in publications.
According to Robert Jackson (2005 Silverdale books) 1225 Ki-44 were built, the best being the Ki-44-IIc (apparently shot down several B-29's), but production was ultimately suspended in favour of the Ki-84 which superseded the type. He also notes a high wingloading and high take off and landing speeds, all over less manoeuvrability than other Japanese fighters.
According to Francis Cosby (2006 Anness Publishing) the Ki-44 was first flown in 1940 and tested against a Me-109E against which it was markedly superior. Production began in mid-42 with again a total of 1225 made. On Feb19 1945 a small force of these aircraft attacked a flight of 120 B-29's and destroyed ten. Some specifications are provided thus:
Type: purpose built interceptor
Engine: 1520hp Nakajima Ha-109 radial
Armament: (Ki-44-IIb) four 12.7mm machine guns (small calibre cannon)
Dimensions: span 9.45m length 8.8m height 3.25m wing area 15m^2
Weights: empty 2105kg maximum take off 2995kg
Maximum speed: 605km/h
Ceiling: 11200 metres
Range: 1700km
Climb rate: 1200m per minute initial climb rate
According to Robert Jackson (2005 Silverdale books) 1225 Ki-44 were built, the best being the Ki-44-IIc (apparently shot down several B-29's), but production was ultimately suspended in favour of the Ki-84 which superseded the type. He also notes a high wingloading and high take off and landing speeds, all over less manoeuvrability than other Japanese fighters.
According to Francis Cosby (2006 Anness Publishing) the Ki-44 was first flown in 1940 and tested against a Me-109E against which it was markedly superior. Production began in mid-42 with again a total of 1225 made. On Feb19 1945 a small force of these aircraft attacked a flight of 120 B-29's and destroyed ten. Some specifications are provided thus:
Type: purpose built interceptor
Engine: 1520hp Nakajima Ha-109 radial
Armament: (Ki-44-IIb) four 12.7mm machine guns (small calibre cannon)
Dimensions: span 9.45m length 8.8m height 3.25m wing area 15m^2
Weights: empty 2105kg maximum take off 2995kg
Maximum speed: 605km/h
Ceiling: 11200 metres
Range: 1700km
Climb rate: 1200m per minute initial climb rate