I`m in Japan now and will try to get some data and pics. . .the Ki-84 could use some love - a little more speed and a bit more resistance to simply shedding peices in flight. . .
Would be great if you could find some production numbers! I've looked and can't really find any definative answers.
I also can't find anything about the shedding of parts.
I have found articles that mention the "weakened" wheel struts, but absolutely nothing else on parts falling off the plane.
This problem was never mentioned when the plane was tested by the US using high grade fuel either.
While I'm sure that the incessant Allied bombing of Japan had a detrimental effect on the quality of some of the planes produced near the end of the war, It makes me wonder why we don't see these same quality control issues with any of the German planes.
Would love to see the KI-84lb added.