I have been reading about the Ki-27, and learned that the later models included a 12.7mm machine gun in the nose which replaced one of the 7.7mm machine guns of the earlier models. I am currently looking for sources that can confirm this claim. From what I’ve been able to learn these models was called the Ki-27B. Would very much appreciate any good leads!
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Can’t say I’m very knowledgeable about aircraft in general, but maybe @Grzegames would be able to assist?
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Ki-27B or Ki-27 Otsu is a version with a different canopy and engine. I can’t find any reports of Ki-27 with a 12.7 mm machine gun. I don’t recall any book sources about it.
@skultew1234 maybe you know something more?
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I’ve never heard about Ki-27 with Ho-103 and a little confused with it.
Fast checking books what I have (not really many about Ki-27 but anyway) and Japanese wiki + sites gave nothing about Ki-27 with Ho-103.
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Thank you all for the replies @BSpiel8 @Grzegames @skultew1234 !! I don’t have any sources myself, I’ve just been seeing various websites and videos mentioning that the later models of the Ki-27 were upgraded with the 12.7mm alongside the addition of a canopy. I’ll post a few that I can recall.
I know these aren’t primary sources, which is why I wanted to track down more information. So I do appreciate the help in sharing what you know!
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I’ve also seen claims every now and then of a Ki-27 with a Ho-103 fitted to it. Might have been a field mod.
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Sorry to bump in found it interesting, checking Wiki (wish is not always reliable) got this info
Armament
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Guns:
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2 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) Type 89 machine guns, 500 rounds/gun
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1 × 12.7 mm (0.5 in) Ho-103 machine gun and 1 × 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine gun on later models
On top of it says Specifications (Ki-27b)
Found the info on Wiki + Captured Wings Fandom. Havent really found anything else apart that and the Video you showed.
Category:Nakajima Ki-27 | Captured Wings Wiki | Fandom
Checking the Japanese wiki on the plane gives 0 results on it ever having the Ho-103
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I see, thanks for sharing! Shame the Japanese wiki didn’t have any more info. I guess until someone can find a technical manual or official book of some kind we won’t really know for sure then