Kawasaki Ki-100

Click the thumbnails to enlarge them

Kawasaki Ki-100 I-Ko white „177” of the 2nd Chutai, 59 Sentai, Ashiya Kiusiu, 1945

Captured Ki-100 I-Ko white "177" of the 59 Sentai, Ashiya near Fukuoka, October 1945

Frontal view of a Kawasaki Ki-100 I Otsu

Frontal view of a Ki-100 I Otsu

Kawasaki Ki-100 „078” „296” of the 59th Sentai found in Japan By US forces 1945

Kawasaki Ki-100 078 296 of the 59th Sentai found in Japan By US forces 1945

Kawasaki Ki-100 „80” of the 111th Sentai 1945

Kawasaki Ki-100 80 of the 111th Sentai 1945

Ki-100 I-Otsu ’39’ of the 5 Sentai, Summer 1945

Kawasaki Ki-100 I-Otsu '39' of the 5 Sentai,

Fighter Ki100 I Otsu of the 5th Sentai at Kiyosu AB

Kawasaki Ki100 I Otsu of the 5th Sentai at Kiyosu near Nagoya

Kawasaki Ki-100 I-Otsu ’39’ of Shosa Yasuhide Baba from 5 Sentai, Summer 1945

Ki-100 I-Otsu '39' of the 5 Sentai, 1945

Ki-100 II prototype at Kawasaki Kagamigahara plant 1945

Ki-100 II prototype at Kawasaki Kagamigahara 1945

Kawasaki Ki-100 II prototype with turbocharger – Kagamigahara 1945

Ki-100 II prototype with turbocharger

Ki-100 of the 59 Sentai Found by US forces at end of Pacific War

Ki-100 of the 59 Sentai Found by US forces at end of Pacific War

Kawasaki Ki100 I Otsu of the 5 Sentai, Kiyosu June/July 1945

Ki100 I Otsu of the 5 Sentai at Kiyosu AB

Side view of Kawasaki Ki-100 I-Otsu

Side view of Kawasaki Ki-100 I-Otsu

View of the back of a Ki-100 I Otsu

View of the back of a Ki-100 I Otsu, 1945

Technical problems with inline engines Ha-40 and Ha-140, which were powered fighter aircraft Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien, has forced the search for a new solution. Kaigun Kōkū Hombu recommended the use of, their drive, proven air-cooled radial engines Mitsubishi Ha-112-II Kinsei (Venus) 1500 hp. The new construction was given the designation Ki-100, and ordered the rapid development of the project and construction of the prototype. Installation radial engine in place inline, posed serious problems. The new engine was almost twice as wide of an existing fuselage. In order to overcome the problems, engineers analyzed the structure of the German fighter Focke-Wulf Fw 190 also used the experience gained during the conversion bomber Yokosuka D4Y diving. A rebuilt fighter prototype made its maiden flight on February 1, 1945. In February and March 1945 were established two prototypes. Production of the aircraft started in March 1945. It lasted until mid-August 1945. Official name: 五式戦闘機 - rikugun 5 shiki sentouki (Army Type 5 Fighter)

Variants: Ki-100 (prototypes): one batch of Kawasaki Ki-61-II Kai with radial engine. 3 built Ki-100 I-Ko - initial model of series, KI-61 II Kai fuselage, ~271 built Ki-100-I Otsu - bubble top canopy - 118 built as such. Ki-100-II (prototypes) - high-altitude fighter-interceptor, engine Mitsubishi Ha-112-II Ru with turbocharger, 1120 kW (1500 hp). 3 built. Ki-119 (only project) design influenced by the fuselage of the Ki-100, was to have been a fighter-bomber aircraft.

References: I.J.Army Kawasaki typ 3 & 5 Fighter - Model Art Magazine 428, 1994 Kawasaki Ki.61 Ki.100 Hien in Japanese Army Air Force Service - Richard M. Bueschel, Osprey Publishing Aircam Aviation Series 21 Ki-61, Ki-100, Ki-48 - Mechanism of Military Aircraft 2 Ki-61 and Ki-100 Aces - Nicholas Millman, Osprey Publishing Aircraft of the Aces 114 Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien Ki-100 - Leszek A. Wieliczko, Kagero Monographs 58 Army Typ 5 Fighter - Famous Airplanes of the World 23 - Bunrin Do, 1990 Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War - R. J. Francillon, Putnam & Company 1970 Japanese Aircraft Equipment 1940-1945 - Robert C. Mikesh, Schiffer 2004