Ki 100

[Widewing]

The Ki-61 is both heavier, and has a smaller wing area than the FM-2.

Ki-61: 215 Sq ft wing and 7650 lbs (100 fuel) for a wing loading of 35.5 ft lbs.

FM-2: 260 Sq ft wing and 7486 lbs (100 fuel) for a wing loading of 28.8 ft lbs.

The much larger wing area of the FM-2 ensures it will out turn a Ki-61, or a Ki-84, but not an A6M5 or a Ki-43 (not in the game).

I even doubt the two ever met in combat often, as the FM-2 was a late 1944-45 CV CAP fighter, and the surviving Ki-61s were almost all used in the defense of Japan in 1945. FM-2s saw most of their action vs Kamikazes and their escorts.

Well, the US Navy thought that the FM-2 had an equal or just slightly better turn radius than the Ki-61. They prepared a test report for issue to the fleet. Here's a some excerpts via Mike Williams' website.






My regards,

Widewing

[Masherbrum]

The Ki-61 is both heavier, and has a smaller wing area than the FM-2.

Ki-61: 215 Sq ft wing and 7650 lbs (100 fuel) for a wing loading of 35.5 ft lbs.

FM-2: 260 Sq ft wing and 7486 lbs (100 fuel) for a wing loading of 28.8 ft lbs.

The much larger wing area of the FM-2 ensures it will out turn a Ki-61, or a Ki-84, but not an A6M5 or a Ki-43 (not in the game).

I even doubt the two ever met in combat often, as the FM-2 was a late 1944-45 CV CAP fighter, and the surviving Ki-61s were almost all used in the defense of Japan in 1945. FM-2s saw most of their action vs Kamikazes and their escorts.

Sweet stats, now read my post again.   I NEVER SAID "The Ki-61 will OUT TURN an FM2." 

I will state AGAIN:

The Ki-61 was able to turn WITH FM2's in WWII. 

Furthermore, thanks WW for posting the tests.   

[Squire]

Well, the wing area and weights (wing loading) are the most imporatant indicators of turn performance and energy retention in a turn, and also the h.p. of the engines.

If you wonder why the A6M2 has a such great turn ability, all you need to do is calculate its loaded weight and wing area. Same for a Spitfire, or a Ki-61, or an MC202, or a Bf 109F.

Interesting info WW, but those are generalised statements at best, it would depend on specific loudouts.

The FM-2 also benefits from having a more powerfull engine (1350 vs 1175) where the Ki-61 has lower drag (inline design), probably cancelling each other out in a sustained turn contest.

So:

Weight: FM-2 lighter.
Wing area: FM-2 larger wing.
Engine: FM-2 more powerfull.

Thats why its as competative as it is.

PS: You dont have to blow a gasket dude, Im just posting a comparison.

[Masherbrum]

IT WAS ABLE TO TURN WITH KI-61's.   In the game I can OUTTURN THEM.