I didn't want to necro-bump so I'm starting a new topic.
I want put in a word in favor of the Shoki, mainly for scenario play. I recognize this thing would doubtless have adherents in the MA, just as do most viable late-war types. It's nothing like uber, as many have already noted. WMaker helpfully cites the wingloading in a nother thread, which is interceptor-class (my coinage) as opposed to turnfighter-class. Speed is a so-so high 300 number -again, nothing spectacular.
However, I really like this for scenario play because of the tactics used by at least one Sentai... I'll just plug in a citation here:
"The Ki-44-2c version of the "Tojo" was armed with the relatively compact Ho-301 40 mm heavy cannon firing caseless ammunition that was only useful at near point blank range due to very low muzzle velocity. It was used against B-29s by one special kamikaze unit (a company of four aircraft minimum[4]) of the 47th Sentai, which specialized in bomber collision tactics, the Shinten unit ("Shinten Seiku Tai"(Sky Shadow) 47th Sentai (Air Regiment) based at Narimasu airfield), during the defense of Tokyo. It is presumed that at least part of the tactics of these aircraft were to get in very close to the B-29's and attempt a shoot down with the heavy cannon, but also to use the aircraft as a final weapon when the low ammunition supply of the H0-301 was expended. Although in concept it appeared easy, collision with a B-29 at altitude was very difficult to pull off although the tactic certainly created significant anxiety for B-29 squadrons when it occurred."
"Anxiety" being an understatement, no doubt... In any case, if we had this for scenario play, you could indeed have a Sentai whose point totals would be increased if they took one for the team, if you follow. That throws another variable into the mix - and that makes for even more entertainment. Meanwhile, I'm sure that 40 mil option places a pretty significant penalty on the Tojo, making it, in this armament anyway, truly specialized for the role (not that it's a great escort killer to begin).
