Ki-57 "Topsy" transport - wish for 2nd transport plane

[Ack-Ack]

The Mitsubishi Ki-57 Type 100 (Allied code name "Topsy") was the main troop transport of the Imperial Japanese Army and saw extensive duties in that role from the beginning to the end of World War II.  It was also used in limited numbers by the Imperial Japanese Navy under the designation L4M1 and was also the main aircraft for Japan Airlines (Nippon Koku K.K.).

The Ki-57 was developed out of Japan Airlines need for an aircraft to be its main courier and JAL was impressed with the performance and range of the Ki-21 bomber and wanted to develop a civilian version of the Ki-21.  The IJA took notice of the development of this new civilian plane and took over the project and issued specifications that would satisfy both military and civilian requirements.  The Ki-57 retained the wing, cockpit, engine, tail of the Ki-21 but featured a different fuselage that could accomodate 11 passengers in addition to the 4 crew.  From 1940 until 1945, over 500 Ki-57s were built and served as paratroop and troop carriers as well as logistical and supply transports.

Ki-57-I
Engine: Two Nakajima Ha.5 radial engines
Power: 950hp at take-off, 1,080hp at 13,125ft
Crew: 4 + 11 passengers
Wing span: 74ft 2in
Length: 52ft 10in
Height: 15ft 8in
Empty Weight: 12,174lb
Loaded Weight: 17,328lb
Maximum Weight: 18,600lb
Max Speed: 267mph at 11,155ft
Cruising Speed: 199mph at 9,840ft
Service Ceiling: 22,965ft
Range: 1,865 miles

Ki-57-II
Engine: Two Mitsubishi Ha.102 14-cylinder radial engines
Power: 1,080hp at take-off, 1,050hp at 9,185ft
Crew: 4 + 11 passengers
Wing span: 74ft 2in
Length: 52ft 10in
Height: 15ft 8in
Empty Weight: 12,313lb
Loaded Weight: 18,018lb
Maximum Weight: 20,106lb
Max Speed: 292mph at 19,028ft
Service Ceiling: 26,250ft
Range: 1,865 miles







How would this plane do in Aces High?  
Basically, it would be a smaller but little faster version of the C-47.  Even though in real life the Ki-57 was only able to carry 11 troops, this isn't an issue in Aces High as only 10 troops are available per transport.  Even it's limited real life cargo capacity isn't a factor in Aces High so there is really no real life mitigating factors that would proclude the Ki-57 from being considered a viable additional as a 2nd transport plane into Aces High.  It will also be of benefit to the AvA weekly scenarios as well as the FSO and main scenarios.

ack-ack

[Pigslilspaz]

We already have the DC-3 for japan but this would be good.

[lyric1]

I would not mind this one as far as a Japanese built aircraft instead of the C47. I think we should get the JU52 first though. At least the German plane set would be closer to an accurate means of troop transports.

[HighTone]

I like it. Not a bad idea at all. Would like to see a few more Japanese fighters and bombers, but this is close enough.


+1

[Void]

I would like to accept any new Japanese plane into aces high!

[JOACH1M]

I like all new axis plane request and this defiantly meets it
+1

[Ack-Ack]

We already have the DC-3 for japan but this would be good.

That's the plane you see in the backround in the first photo.

ack-ack

[mbailey]

Great wish 
+1

[Greebo]

The Betty had a transport version too, it would be a lot easier for HTC to mod that aircraft to carry supplies.

[Plawranc]

yeah, Mod the Betty for Japan.

And then do the JU-52. That would be my order of mod!

[Liberator]

+1!

[Tilt]

The Betty had a transport version too, it would be a lot easier for HTC to mod that aircraft to carry supplies.

Seems there were only 30 G6M-L's and these modified from  K's with a belly gondola!

It would be nice to have this as a Betty load out option but I wonder if it would be an attempt at the G6M-L or just the option to carry some troops and minor supplies instead of ordinance. I assume Yamamoto sat some where in his betty with a few aides de camp.

[Perrine]

Is this without a doubt the fastest troop transport aircraft in ww2?

[715]

Is this without a doubt the fastest troop transport aircraft in ww2?

Wouldn't that be the C69  (military version of the Lockheed Constellation): speed over 320 mph.

[Ack-Ack]

Wouldn't that be the C69  (military version of the Lockheed Constellation): speed over 320 mph.

Only 22 C-69s were made before the war ended and not all of them entered military service.  While it was a long-range, high-speed troop transport it was not used in combat operations, mostly flying high ranking personel.  The Ki-57, like our C-47 was used in combat operations.


ack-ack