hi bustr.
My source is this Japanese Book.
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/switch-language/product/4056041814/ref=dp_change_lang?ie=UTF8&language=en_JPSorry, I could not find this in Amazon.com.
But, May be this book is latest reserch Book for Ki43.
Ki-43III's nubmer,
May be ,Wmaker's number is exactry .
and sorry I can't check my book now,
because I can't access this forum in my home,
(I was burned.Why...may be I wrote in this board only 10 times?)
and I don't have it book now.(I'm in office now.)
Ki-43IIIkou(= Ki-43IIIa?) was produced over 1000. its excatry.
But, Ki-43IIIotsu(equip Ho-5 20mm x2)was build only 2, and did'nt join to battle.
difference between Ki43-IIIkou and Ki-43II final(IJA called Ki-43II ejector exhaust stacks type),
its ejector exhaust stacks's form and engine.
plz check this pic.
http://www.warbirds.jp/p-kun/other/ki43/ki43-top2.jpg(Ki-43II'engine, Ha-115 don't have water methanol injection.)
Ki-43II have some minor version,
minor version have diffrent each,
Ki43-II Early(IJA called Ki-43II exclusive tank use type)
Ki43-II Late(IJA called Ki-43II standard tank use type)
Ki43-II Finally(IJA called Ki-43II ejector exhaust stacks use type)
AH'sVersion Ki-43II is Ki-43II Late,
Max speed 536km/h,
Possible equip 250kgx2(its possible Left is Tank, Right is bomb. Many Ki43's Pilot wrote such situation, it is possible on Ki61, too.),
Equipe Amor Protecion(13mm) of back Sheet(somtimes ,pilot hate ammor of head back,and thay released)
self sealing tank(By Rubber).
ejector exhaust stack(gather form)
http://www.warbirds.jp/p-kun/other/ki43/ki43-II_1943.jpgPlz admit, Ki-43 Late and after types have same level protection of Ki-84.
and,
Ki43 minor version were supply to frontline,
but When changed to Ki43-III from Ki-43II,(Ki43-II to Ki43-I ,too)
Sq had to return to Japan, like change to ki84 from Ki43.
I will check my book in my home again.