Kawasaki Ki-100

Kawasaki Ki-100 History

Although the Kawasaki Ki-100 was produced in very limited numbers (thanks in large part to Allied bombing in the Pacific), it is generally regarded as one of the best Japanese-produced fighters in the final months of the war. The system was designed as an offshoot of the semi-successful Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, but offered better high-altitude performance to intercept high-flying American B-29 Superfortresses.

The Ki-100 proved to be a worthy and capable performer, which is a win in itself considering the series simply added a successful engine to an existing airframe (the Ki-61-II model), which was originally Shortages caused by her own engine.

If Allied bombing ended the factories of the new Kawasaki engines that powered the Ki-61 series, the Ki-100 would not be a development. As a result, Kawasaki found itself with a large number of empty airframes that needed an engine, and decided to combine the airframe with the proven Mitsubishi model, albeit with minor modifications to the Ki-61's design. The result is the Kawasaki Ki-100 Combat Series with the 1,500 hp Mitsubishi Ha-112-II.

After three aircraft of this type were produced, the aircraft tested positive, forcing more than 270 airframe modifications of the same design. The battle turned out equally favorable, earning the Ki-100 a solid reputation and providing the Japanese army with a true performer that rivaled the ingenuity of American aircraft.

Externally, the resulting Ki-100 bore little resemblance to the previous Ki-61 design. Still in the low-wing layout, the notable difference is the enlarged fuselage, especially in the forward area to make room for the larger Mitsubishi engine. The cockpit is set above the wings, providing great all-round and rearward visibility.

By the way, the original design of the cockpit was related to the proposed Ki-61-III, but it was not implemented until the need for the Ki-100 arose. Armament consists of a pair of fuselage-mounted 12.7mm machine guns, with a 20mm cannon in each wing. The weapon combination provided good bomber destructive capabilities that most early Japanese designs lacked.

Two underwing mounting points provide the system with a pair of optional 551-pound air-dropped bombs for ground attack missions, or air-dropped tanks for increased range.

The performance of the Mitsubishi Ha-112-II 14-cylinder radial piston engine offers great opportunities in top speed, top speed and range. Top speed is listed at about 367 mph, and more importantly, it's closer to 33,000 feet. With a maximum range of over 1,200 miles, it exceeds two other inexpensive Japanese fighter designs in the Kawasaki N1K1-J Shiden and Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien.

The success of the Ki-100 required an improved product designed to use the more powerful Ha-112-II in the form of the Ha-112-IIru engine with an integrated turbocharger design. The resulting mix would result in a more powerful high-altitude aircraft, but unfortunately only three such prototypes (serial designation Ki-100-II) were built before the end of the war.

The Allied bombing campaign - as it happened in Europe - proved to be a success because it hindered the further development and improvement of most Axis aircraft. Such was the case with the special Ki-100, which, if produced in large numbers, could provide Japan with a much-needed interceptor to deter Allied bombardment.

In fact, the Kawasaki Ki-100, while not limited in performance or capability, was eliminated due to its arrival in the Pacific theater too late to have much of an impact on the results in 1945. /p]

Specification

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