Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa ("Oscar")

[Karnak]

Was the Ki-43 generally stronger than the Zero?

Did it have self sealing fuel tanks etc.?

Structurally, it was weaker.  It did have rudimentary self sealing tanks though.  Pilot armor was added with the -II.  It was significantly more maneuverable than the A6M though.

Nope, not in the slightest.

Not really honest.

[Tank-Ace]

Alright, true.

But he did say generally. If the wings will rip off easier, but it has rudimenery self-sealing tanks, and (depending on the model) pilot armor, then I wouldn't say its any tougher than the A6M in general. Stronger in some areas, weaker in others, but not tougher overall.

[Slade]

Thanks for the responses on that.

I'd sure like to hop in a ki-43.  I tend to not fly late war uber rides.  I can see myself spending time in this bird each month.

Can't wait! 

[Shifty]

I think its because that when people think of the japanese airforce, they think of the zero, the kate, and the val.

I think of those three planes when I think of the Japanese Navy. When I think of the Japanese Army Air Force the Ki-43 is one of the first aircraft I think of.

The Hayabusa gets my +1. 

[HighTone]

             
                                                                         

[HighTone]

             
                                                                   

[HighTone]

   


                                                Soon?....maybe?....hopefully?..

[Tank-Ace]

-1, its japanese, its slow, and its underarmed. I won't fly it so an Me410 would be better (for me).

[Karnak]

-1, its japanese, its slow, and its underarmed. I won't fly it so an Me410 would be better (for me).

Its not significantly slower than the Me410, and a fight between an Me410 and Ki-43-III would likely end badly for the Me410.

[Rino]

     Just happened to be browsing when I found this..enjoy 

[Tank-Ace]

Its not significantly slower than the Me410, and a fight between an Me410 and Ki-43-III would likely end badly for the Me410.

IDK. Me410 is heavy, packs more E into the same speed. Zoom flip around, and a few .45 ACP rounds from your sidearm later the Ki-43 is burning. If the 410 is dumb enough to manuver with it, yes hes screwed. But look at zekes, they're not all that dangerous if you don't fight their game.

[HighTone]

IDK. Me410 is heavy, packs more E into the same speed. Zoom flip around, and a few .45 ACP rounds from your sidearm later the Ki-43 is burning. If the 410 is dumb enough to manuver with it, yes hes screwed. But look at zekes, they're not all that dangerous if you don't fight their game.

Zekes are plenty dangerous. Please don't make the assumption that aircraft without 2000+ HP and cannons are not dangerous. Most pilots profess that "just don't fight the Zeke's fight and your fine", but after a few high speed passes with no results most pilots get frustrated and slow down...or they run...either way the Zeke has won.

The Ki-43 is going to be a very fun and historical mount to fly in AH.

[jimson]

-1, its japanese, its slow, and its underarmed. I won't fly it so an Me410 would be better (for me).

How many times does it have to be said? We need this plane not for the LW, but for AvA, EW and especially the special events, which are a big part of this game.

In these venues, it's not going to be facing the F4U1C, Spit 16 and P-51D, but rather, opponents like the Hurricane MkI and P-40B and it will be very competitive.

Don't you think we ought to be able to properly run a scenario based on the legendary exploits of the AVG Flying Tigers, one of the most celebrated American fighter units of the war?

After this extremely overdue addition, I personally would like to see the A5M, Ki27, and a proper representation of the USMC and British Brewster Buffalo.

[icepac]

I'm curious where this data exists that quantifies the perceived weakness of the ki43.

The plane shot down more allied planes than the Zero and many many heavy buffs.

[nrshida]

I think I saw a video of an interview with a Ki-43 pilot who stated the aircraft was weak structurally. I believe he said they knew it when they evaluated the type but there wasn't an alternative. I have tried three times to find the video now without success. I'm sure it was on YouTube.