Mitsubishi Ki-46-III KAI
History
Spoiler
In December 1942, two Ki-46-III prototypes completed accelerated flight trials, leading to their designation as the Army Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Plane Model 3. Both the Ki-46-I and Ki-46-III were produced at Nagoya until late 1944 when an earthquake and US B-29 attacks damaged the plant, shifting production to Toyama, where only about 100 units were built. Late-model Ki-46-IIIs featured exhaust stacks for enhanced speed and range.
Priority delivery of the Ki-46-III went to units in Allied-dominated airspace, often operating alongside the older Ki-46-II. After resolving fuel injection issues, the Ki-46-III proved difficult for Allied fighters to intercept, monitoring key bases such as the Marianas B-29 airfields. However, by the war’s end, interception rates rose.
A few Ki-46-IIs were converted to three-seat radio-navigation trainers, designated the Ki-46-II KAI, for use at the Shimoshizu Army Flying School. Additionally, a high-altitude interceptor variant of the Ki-46-III was developed in 1944 at Tachikawa, where photographic equipment was removed for adaptation as an interim fighter solution.
Modifications by Tachikawa Dai-Ichi Rikugun Kokusho
Modifications also included the redisign of the nose to provide space for two 20 mm Ho-5 cannon and the replacement of the top centre fuselage fuel tank by an obliquely mounted forward-firing 37 mm Ho-203 cannon. The first Army Type 100 Air Defence Fighter (Ki-46-III KAI) was completed in October 1944 and, a month later, aircraft of this type were issued to various units operating in defence of Japan. Operational results were disappointing as the Ki-46-III KAI’S did not have the climbing speed required for an interceptor, but further developments of this variant resulted in the Army Type 100 Assault Plane (Ki-46-IIIb), of which only a few were built, and the Ki-46-IIIc which remained on the drawing boards.
Role and Gameplay
The Ki-46-III would make an exciting addition to the Japanese aviation tech tree, known for its high-speed, high-altitude reconnaissance capabilities with potential for an interceptor variant. Suggested roles:
- Primary Role: High-speed reconnaissance aircraft (could be a special event vehicle with scout mechanics for spotting enemy positions or aircraft from high altitudes).
- Secondary Role (Interceptor Variant): Modified with enhanced high-altitude performance and limited armament, ideal for hit-and-run attacks against bombers or high-altitude targets.
Specifications and Features
- Speed and Altitude: High top speed at altitude (~400-500 km/h at ~8,000-10,000 m), with excellent climb rate, making it difficult for lower altitude fighters to intercept.
- Defensive Armament: Limited; potentially equipped with forward-mounted machine guns or a single 20mm cannon, based on the interceptor variant.
- Performance Boost: Later models included individual exhaust stacks for minor thrust augmentation, boosting top speed and range.
- Radar Detection/Evasion: Historically difficult to intercept, it could have reduced radar visibility at higher altitudes or a delayed icon appearance for enemy players.
Game Modes and Benefits
- Ground Battles: Ideal as a high-altitude scout, providing support by marking enemy positions for allied forces with enhanced spotting mechanics.
- Air RB: Excels at gaining altitude quickly to ambush enemy bombers or other reconnaissance planes from above.
Statistics:
More Pictures:
Spoiler
Sources:
- Blueprints > WW2 Airplanes > Mitsubishi > Mitsubishi Ki-46-III-Kai [Dinah]
- Amazon.com
- Mitsubishi Ki.46 Type 100 (Dinah) Info
- Mitsubishi Ki-46 - TracesOfWar.nl
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