The Ki-44
This addon to the Microprose combat sim "European Air War" contains a modified airframe (3DZ). To install this, copy the files to your EAW
directory.To uninstall it, just delete the files you installed. Note that there is a separate 3DZ file for
Voodoo video card users. The cockpit gauges are modified RedSkulls. Thanks go out as usual to Mike "Redeyes"
Lask, and Mark Tucker for their help in the Beta testing.
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The Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki (Dragon or Demon Slayer) interceptor was the only interceptor fighter serving with the
Japanese Army when the B-29 campaign against Japan began. At that time, it was the fastest-climbing
Japanese fighter in service, and was one of the few aircraft capable of reaching the B-29s at the altitudes at
which they operated. 
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The Ki-44 Shoki originated in parallel with the Ki-43 Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon) single-seat fighter. At the
same time that Nakajima was working on the initial design of its Ki-43 single-seat fighter for the Japanese
Army, the Koku Hombu (Air Headquarters) issued a specification for Nakajima to begin work on an interceptor
as a parallel project. This project was assigned the Kitai number of Ki-44 (next in line from the Hayabusa
Ki-number). Unlike previous Japanese combat aircraft design philosophy, it was decided that the Ki-44 was to
be built strictly as an interceptor, with emphasis being placed on speed and climb rather than on
maneuverability. The specification called for a maximum speed of no less than 373 mph at 13,125 feet.
This altitude was to be attained in a time no greater than 5 minutes. Armament was to consist of a pair of
7.7-mm and a pair of 12.7-mm machine guns. 
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The design team was directed by Najajima's project engineer, T. Koyama. The engine selected for the new
interceptor was Nakajima's own Ha-41 fourteen-cylinder double-row radial. This engine had actually been
intended primarily for bomber aircraft, and had a rather large diameter. Nevertheless, the design team was able
to marry this engine to a fuselage of narrow cross section. The fuselage was designed with a large side area to help ensure a stable gun
platform. The fin and rudder were mounted well to the rear of the horizontal tail. The wing area was
relatively small for an aircraft of the size and weight of the Ki-44, leading to a high wing loading and a relatively
high landing speed. A set of "butterfly" combat flaps were fitted for improved maneuverability. 
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The first Ki-44 prototype took to the air for the first time in August of 1940. The prototype was armed with two
synchronized 7.7-mm Type 89 machine guns in the upper engine cowling and one 12.7-mm Type 1 (Ho-103)
machine gun in each wing outboard of the main undercarriage leg. The first test flights were generally
encouraging, and handling was considered rather good despite the high wing loading. However, the landing
speed was somewhat greater than that for which most Japanese pilots were accustomed, and the big engine
restricted the forward visibility while the plane was taxiing on the ground. However, the inflight visibility was
considered as being excellent. The design was accepted by the Japanese Army for service under the
designation of Army Type 2 Single-seat Fighter Model 1 (Ki-44-I). 
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Armament varied by model:
Ki-44-Ia:
Two 12.7mm Type I machine guns in wings
Two 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns in fuselage
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Ki-44-Ib, IIa, IIb:
Two 12.7mm Type I machine guns in wings
Two 12.7mm Type I machine guns in fuselage
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Ki-44-IIc:
Two 12.7mm Type I machine guns in fuselage
Two 40mm Ho-301 low velocity cannon in wings
Note: Fires caseless ammunition at 400 rpm
Or
Four 20mm Cannon.
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Ki-44-III:
Two 12.7mm Type I machine guns in fuselage
Two 20mm Ho-5 low velocity cannon in wings
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Ki-44-IIIa:
Four 20mm cannon.
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Ki-44-IIIb:
Two 37mm Cannon
Two 20mm Cannon
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Though disliked by pilots, and deadly to less experienced pilots, the Shoki was moderately successful in the
interception role. A notable mission occured when a small force of Ki-44 intercepted 120 B-29's on
February 19, 1945 and destroyed ten of them.

- George "Geo" Lekko         January 5, 2002