Updating the Zero

[ACE]

I think they should update the hang rate on the zero it can just sit straight vert forever...

[Karnak]

That's five different variations of the Ki-43, (six if you consider a 2x12.7mm package with bombs to be a Ki-43-IIa) with only two actual models if you use gun package options. The Japanese plane set appears to REALLY be much more flexible in this regard than many other nation's plane sets.

I wouldn't consider it a Ki-43-II without an uprated engine.

[Saxman]

I wouldn't consider it a Ki-43-II without an uprated engine.

What would be the main difference between the IIa and IIIa, then?

[Krusty]

Sax, I may have had a brain fart while typing, when I typed "model 22" I meant A6M2. Sorry for the confusion.

[Saxman]

Ah, gotcha. And like I said, the Model 32 would stand out more than the 22 so would probably be a more worthwhile add than the 22, even if the differences AREN'T positive.

[bravoa8]

+1

The A6M doenst even have a stick.

Look at the C-47 the KI-67 the KI-61 the D3A1 the B5N2 the A20G the Boston III the C202 the C205 and the rest of the palnes that don't have a stick.

[AirFlyer]

Actually just noticed in your first post about one of the 3 remaining flying Zeros are an A6M6c. One thing worth noting as I recall that only one of those three still has an authentic Sakae engine, the A6M5 in Chino, CA.

[HighTone]

The Zero is one of several aircraft in need of update. In addition, there's some room to expand the roster a bit:

A6M2 Model 21 - As we have now.

A6M3 Model 32 - Although fewer were produced than the full-span Model 22, using the clipped-wing variant would set it apart from the others more. Additionally, the clipped-wing "Hamp" was encountered in rather large numbers during the Guadalcanal campaign. Whether the Model 32 or 22, however, the A6M3 would be invaluable for the mid-war period which currently substitutes the much less appropriate A6M5b (closer in vintage to our F4U-1A, c.1944).

A6M5 Model 52 - The A6M5 could be modeled like the I-16 with several armament options:

• Model 52 - 2x7.7mm and 2x20mm; Mk3 drum magazine with 100rds/gun for the 20mm
• Model 52a - 2x7.7mm and 2x20mm; Mk4 belt feed with 125rds/gun for the 20mm (125rds/gun for all subsequent gun options)
• Model 52b - 1x7.7mm, 1x12.7mm and 2x20mm (as we have now)
• Model 52c - 3x12.7mm (one in the cowl and two in the wings) and 2x20mm

This would especially allow some flexibility for special events, by including early and late armament options.

A6M6 Model 53c - The changes over the Model 52 were the addition of fully self-sealed fuel tanks and a different engine. The Sakae 31a engine on the Model 53 added water-menthol injection, which would give it a small performance increase (by about 80hp) over the Model 52 because of WEP (the only Zeke that would have it). The self-sealing fuel tanks would also be a BIG change to the Zero by making it less likely to light on fire. Armament and ordinance loadout options are the same as the Model 52c. More performance information SHOULD be available, as one of the three remaining (original) Zeros still in flyable condition is an A6M6.

The addition of WEP and self-sealing fuel tanks should set the A6M6 apart from the rest of the Zeros enough to warrant its inclusion.

    

[Wmaker]

The various I-16 models represented by the gun packages also had engine differences, IIRC. The F4F-3 had longer range and was lighter and faster than the -4, yet is represented by a gun package. Best example is the B-239 representing the B-339/339E and F2A-3 with a gun package (3x.50 and 1x.30cal) despite weight differences in all three models.

Actually, all I-16 -models that the armament options represent (Types 24, 28 and 29) have Svetsov M-63 engine. The 4*.50 -setup for the Brewster comes from the fact that Finns changed the .30 to a .50 so that all Brewsters were modified by '43. While what you say is true regarding the F4F-4, it's an AH1 vintage model so I'm suspecting HTC's policy might have changed since then.

Personally, I'd really really like too see the Rufe aswell when the Zekes get updated.

[Saxman]

Actually, all I-16 -models that the armament options represent (Types 24, 28 and 29) have Svetsov M-63 engine. The 4*.50 -setup for the Brewster comes from the fact that Finns changed the .30 to a .50 so that all Brewsters were modified by '43. While what you say is true regarding the F4F-4, it's an AH1 vintage model so I'm suspecting HTC's policy might have changed since then.

Even then, we can still have the A6M5a, b and c all on one model by adding gun package. The question is if the armored glass and fire extinguishers that were added with the 5a would really make all that big of a difference to not include the A6M5 as well.

Personally, I'd really really like too see the Rufe aswell when the Zekes get updated.

Why? We don't have any other float planes or flying boats, which means they would need to address that mechanic first. The A6M2-N really wouldn't fill any major gaps, anyway, as they weren't used extensively except for the Solomons campaign.

[Wmaker]

Why? We don't have any other float planes or flying boats, which means they would need to address that mechanic first. The A6M2-N really wouldn't fill any major gaps, anyway, as they weren't used extensively except for the Solomons campaign.

Weren't there flyable boats a few years ago during the Evil Con Mission? Admittedly, I'm not writing the coad but considering that HT gave the PT boat some lift I'm sure that he could give a plane some boyancy since we already have a boat and LVTs in the game. I just think it would bring a new aspect to the game with smallish use of art resources. A fighter that could up from a port and at least "try" to defend it from the air.

[Saxman]

True, I wouldn't mind seeing the Float Zeke either, and maybe the coding isn't as much of a challenge as I was thinking (although you have to put a way to have the pontoons on float planes and the hull of flying boats capable of being damaged in a way that you'll "sink" if you try to land on water). However I'd say as limited use they saw during the war (the floats DRASTICALLY impacted the Zero's performance) makes them a low priority.

Although it WOULD give the option of having:

Float Zeros - Fighter
PBY - Medium Bomber
H8K - Heavy Bomber (possible perk?)

at ports.

But that's a subject for another wish.

[Raptor]

it WOULD give the option of having:

Float Zeros - Fighter
PBY - Medium Bomber
H8K - Heavy Bomber (possible perk?)

at ports.

But that's a subject for another wish.

Now that you mention it... It would be nice to have planes up from a port! However I don't think the Pby qualifies as a medium bomber, If I recall, it carried a very small bomb load on it's wings only.

[Saxman]

The PBY carried 4000lbs of bombs, depth charges or torpedoes, so that's actually slightly more than what the B-25 carries.

If Wiki's stats are to be believed that's actually MORE than the H8K (2x800kg torpedoes, or 1000kg of bombs or depth charges). However the H8K is slightly faster, has longer range, and is MUCH more heavily armed (5 defensive 20mm cannon!) However the PBY might be the more versatile aircraft, especially if we get a gun package option for a "Black Cat" with fixed forward guns like in the 25C.

JRM Mars might be interesting, although with only 7 built it probably wouldn't fit add criteria, although all of the production aircraft DID fly for the same squadron (VR-2).... Would basically be like a C-47 on steroids but make it supplies only (she could carry 32,000lbs of cargo).

[Karnak]

Wiki is wrong on the H8K2.  It could carry eight 250kg bombs or two torpedoes or two 1600kg bombs.  And if by slightly faster, you mean about 100mph faster, yes.