Ki-43IIb missing

[greybeard1]

Hi all!

The "b" model of Ki-43II was built in significant number (1531) and replaced IIa (2524 built) I think from fall 1943. During summer of 1944 it evolved in the II-Kai model with single exhaust stacks. The "IIb" attained a significant improvement in performance thanks to simple jet effect exhaust in lieu of the open one of "IIa" model. This increased its top speed from 515 to 548 km/h at 6000 m.

In game, unfortunately, this model is missing and, while the IIa is overmodeled (528 km/h) the II-KAI is undermodeled (530 km/h).

The "IIb" differed also from its predecessor for clipped wings.

Would be nice, I think, adding the Ki-43IIb to IL-2 inventory; I believe that "the most historical WWII air combat sim" should have aircrafts really built and that really fought even before than those never built and that never fought.

Thanks for your kind attention,
GB

[IceFire]

I thought the difference between the IIa and IIb were equipment related such as a new radio. The Ki-43-II Kai represents the later model with the ejector exhaust stacks and improved performance.

I wasn't aware of any clipped wing versions either. Any pictures? I know the wing was redesigned and shortened during the development stages of the Ki-43-II but was not aware of any changes between the II and II-Kai to the wings in any significant way.

There are definitely some issues with the Ki-43 and the way it's modeled in-game.

It could definitely use a going over including fixing the smoothing groups error on the bottom of the aircraft, fixing where the wingtip vortexes appear during high G turns, etc.

[greybeard1]

Originally Posted by IceFire

Any pictures?

I think difference in exhaust stacks can be detected in following pictures; first clearly shows the pipe-shaped one of IIb model (basically those of the previous model, elongated and oriented towards the stern). Second shows for comparison early exhaust stack.

IIb
http://www.wwiivehicles.com/japan/ai...fighter-01.png

IIa
http://ww2total.com/WW2/Weapons/War-...-008-px800.jpg

According to Bueschel, IIb wingspan was 10.837 m, whilst IIa one was 11.437 m (so about 60 cm = 2 ft).

[IceFire]

The exhaust stacks are easy to see for sure... but I can't find anything anywhere that shows a difference in the wing tips. Did the very early production Ki-43-II have the original I series wing? Because I only know of two distinct, visually recognizable, wing configurations.

[greybeard1]

Still according to Bueschel, since first ten pre-production aircrafts (introducing famous "butterfly" combat flaps) wingspan was 11.437 m and was retained by all versions up to the Ki-43IIa model.

[greybeard1]

Well, "message in the bottle" has been sent. Hope someone of the right team will take it

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

EDIT: revised! In fact I was wrong - you are right - the IIa KO is naturally the older model and IIb OTSU as the late one IS missing.

The call is heard, but you are wrong however!

So in fact, the exhaust pipe was instead opened outward in the ongoing development.
And what we have in game, IS the more important later model - and the OTSU is missing.
;)

BTW: the exhaust pipes of the in-game Ki-43IIc (KAI) are wrong and look rather like the ones of a Ki-43III.

[greybeard1]

Originally Posted by EJGr.Ost_Caspar

EDIT: revised! In fact I was wrong - you are right - the IIa KO is naturally the older model and IIb OTSU as the late one IS missing.

BTW: the exhaust pipes of the in-game Ki-43IIc (KAI) are wrong and look rather like the ones of a Ki-43III.

Thanks for your kind interest. I hope that it will lead to a revision of model in game, introducing the IIb and correcting all performances (IIa, IIb, II-KAI)). About this latter, I think current single exhaust stacks are quite correct: I've only one poor quality photo where they can be seen and look like the Ki-43III ones, I mean a total of 7 in three groups of 2-3-2 for each side.

[EJGr.Ost_Caspar]

Here we have it all together:

[greybeard1]

Originally Posted by EJGr.Ost_Caspar

Here we have it all together

GREAT!

Indeed, single exhaust stacks difference between IIKAI and III was subtle...