Kawasaki Ki-100

The Kawasaki Ki-100, a fighter aircraft was first used by the Imperial Japanese Army in World War II and was given the designation "Type 5 Fighter" by The Japanese Army. It was a result of an emergency measure of adapting a Ki-61-II-KAI fighter to carry a Mitsubishi radial engine thus leading to the invention of an excellent interceptor fighter, one of the best used by the Army during the entire war. The Ki-100 took its first flight on the night of 9 March 1945 and but soon suffered its first loss on 7 April 1945, when a Ki-100 flown by Master Sergeant Yasuo Hiema was shot down by a B-29.

Since starting Ki-100 showed its good qualities against the USAAF B-29 heavy bombers at high altitudes, and was equally effective against U.S. Navy carrier fighters. Although fewer Ki-100s were available but proved to be one of the most important fighters during the whole world war.

Due to the success of Ki-100, it was decided to initiate production of this aircraft, the resulting Ki-100-Ib differing only by having the cutdown rear fuselage and all-round-view canopy that had been designed for the proposed Ki-61-III. A more effective version which is to be powered by the Mitsubishi Ha-112- Ilru engine is also being planned which includes a turbocharger to improve high-altitude performance, but only three of these Ki-100-II prototypes had been built and flown by the end of the war.

Specifications