[Graf]

Man how awesome would it be to see this beauty in Il-2?

[Zorin]

looks good buddy, hope someone takes it on, i do know though that the modders have their hands full at the mo, either way, hope to see it made, do u have more info on it, i.e weapon loadouts, performance and handling charateristics. service ceiling etc.etc. or do you just have the pics, if your series about htis plane, the more 'real' info you have the better, and no, wikipedia is not the source of all real info on planes.

I have plans and a data sheet for it, now we only need someone who can read japanese.

[RAF_Magpie]

Missed her by 2 days Zorin :lol: and she was here for over a week...

BUUUUUTTTTT We do have a Japanese fellow who would be more than willing to help... RAF_POLON... if you PM me the stuff I will send it through to him...

[vanir]

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Ki-44-IIc (apparently shot down several B-29's), but production was ultimately suspended in favour of the Ki-84 which superseded the type.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

[ojcar]

It was less maneouverable than other Japanese planes, but it's the same than MIG-3 was less maneouverable than other Soviet fighters. Ki-44 was fitted with same butterfly flaps that Ki-43 and it was more maneouverable than most allied planes. I think is more or less as nimble as J2M (but more difficult to fly, maybe), with a superior climb rate.
The IIb was the main version. Was armed with 4 12'7 machine-guns. The latter IIc had different weapons: 2x12'7 +2x20mm, or 2x12'7+2x40mm (recoiless gun), or 2x12'7+2x37mm.
In game, I'm using the I-185 (The M-82 one, not the other beast) as the closest thing as a hack plane.
Looking forward one of my favourite planes!

[GentleKiller]

It was less maneouverable than other Japanese planes, but it's the same than MIG-3 was less maneouverable than other Soviet fighters. Ki-44 was fitted with same butterfly flaps that Ki-43 and it was more maneouverable than most allied planes. I think is more or less as nimble as J2M (but more difficult to fly, maybe), with a superior climb rate.
The IIb was the main version. Was armed with 4 12'7 machine-guns. The latter IIc had different weapons: 2x12'7 +2x20mm, or 2x12'7+2x40mm (recoiless gun), or 2x12'7+2x37mm.
In game, I'm using the I-185 (The M-82 one, not the other beast) as the closest thing as a hack plane.
Looking forward one of my favourite planes!

but it was made for climb dive shoot climb dive shoot, no turning whatsoever

[ojcar]

Same as J2M...Try to turn in a J2M against a Zero and you're dead. Try to turn a J2M against a Mustang and J2M does it well.
Ki-44 was not in the same league of turnfighting as Ki-43, but against a P-51 or P-47 it turned well (at low and medium altitudes). However, at high altitude both J2M and Ki-44 doesn't turn well (too short wings). In fact, the wiing loading of Ki-44 is 193.3 ,lower than I-185 (201.6), but higher than J2M3 (172.8) . I think it's turn ratio is better that the Soviet plane and worst than J2M3. It's roll rate was very good (those small wings)

[kondor999]

For some reason, this has always been one of my favorite aircraft as well. It's also very un-Japanese with its high wing loading and emphasis on interception. IIRC it has a fantastic climb rate as it's a small a/c with a big engine (kinda like the 109).

Plus it just looks cool IMHO

[GentleKiller]

For some reason, this has always been one of my favorite aircraft as well. It's also very un-Japanese with its high wing loading and emphasis on interception. IIRC it has a fantastic climb rate as it's a small a/c with a big engine (kinda like the 109).

Plus it just looks cool IMHO

\

very true!

[ojcar]

This plane is my number one in wish list! (number 2 is Ki-45)

[FANATIC MODDER]

I am a great fan of the idea that the Ki-44 would be added as a new plane addition in AAA. The cockpit of the ki-84 can be used, at least in the first release version (identical pits). However it would need new engine sounds (Ha-109 engine was the same with the Ki-49 bomber) and new guns (Ho-3 are not in any plane in IL-2).I presume that the Ki-44-II (in the various a/b/c) versions is worth going for.
The reason that I would like to see, is the way it flew.The big diameter radial engine, all that mass in the front, the small wings with the round tips with the long ailerons, the usual strange positions of the elevators, all these contribute to the feeling of great curiosity of how it would fly.So the FM of this plane would a real challenge.

[FANATIC MODDER]

if someone want to have a look at more detailed drawing of the ki-44 he can look here