Originally posted by WMLute
Hey WW, I recall that the Niki's accel. is up there. Top 5 or top 10. Where is the a5 on accel?
When it comes to comparing acceleration, much depends upon the base speed.
From below 200 mph the Niki has the edge, From 200 to 250 the 190A-5 begins to gain, and from 250 on its all 190 (measured at sea level)
Over all, the Niki offers only average acceleration and shows a marked inferiority to the Ki-84 in acceleration and speed. A 190A-5 would have a much greater problem with the Ki-84 than with the N1K2-J.
Where the 190A-5 gains ground is in a high-speed climb. At just 2k/min, it climbs at significantly higher rate of speed for twice as long. This means that it rapidly pulls away. Eventually, the 190 can level off, build speed, zoom climb and meet the Niki again, either above it or with a significant speed advantage. At this point it becomes a vertical E fight, and the 190 should prevail.
At any time, the 190 can simply split-s and can disengage if need be.
In a straight max sustained climb, the Niki can hang with the 190A-5 up to about 11,000 feet, but only as long as WEP holds out. Which is why I prefer a high-speed climb where the 190 pulls away, while the Niki burns off its WEP trying to keep up.
My regards,
Widewing