Ki-61 vs Spit IX

[gofaster]

Originally posted by najdorf
The Ki 61 isn't a terrible plane, but if you're going to fly IJ, why bother with it.  A6M5b and N1K are so much better.  They have actual advantages whereas the Ki 61 does not.

To be honest, I think the Ki-61 is superior to the A6M5b as far as speed, guns, and survivability go.  At the typical MA chase speeds of 350 ias the A6M5 becomes a handful and needs a lot of rudder input to get it to roll.  On the other hand the Ki-61 seems to be able to handle the speed a bit better.  It also accellerates in a dive better than the A6M5, giving it a nice run-down/run-away capability.  Having the cannons in the nose of the Ki gives it a zero-convergence advantage in snapshots.

On the other hand, the A6M5 can turn a tighter loop and can stay inside a Spit IX pretty easily.  

Still, I'd be more afraid of the Ki-61 than I would the A6M5b.

[Kweassa]

Er, I'd rather take the A6M5.

 Knowing the gunnery on most people, in an A6M5, I think I can go in circles and stay alive long enough until help arrives.. The only thing that will take care of the low and slow and turning A6M5, is the A6M2.

 But in a Ki-61, heaven help me if I ever get caught up by a SpitV or a IX.