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Dunedain -> (2/28/2002 8:14:00 AM)
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I just had a thought about these aircraft range figures. When we look at these
range numbers, let's forget about transfer ranges for a minute. These figures might
all be strictly combat range numbers. In which case, it all starts to make a lot
more sense.
The number given for the Ki-43-Ia is in combat radius miles, that's how far the plane
could go to the target area, engage in combat, then return. 745 miles would be the
maximum combat radius of the plane using fuel drop tanks. If the fuel drop tanks
are mounted only on the wings and there is still a centerline mount under the
fuselage for a bomb, then a bomb could be carried on such a long range mission.
The standard combat radius of the Ki-43-Ia can be assumed to be the same as the
Ki-43-IIb, unless we find a precise figure that says otherwise, since the
Ki-43-Ia was built to meet that 500 mile combat radius spec.
Now all we have to do is go down the rest of the list of aircraft ranges that
Marc posted and divide them all in half to get the standard and maximum combat radii
for the aircraft. The difference between standard and maximum ranges, for purposes
of the game, is that if you send your fighters on a mission that is within
the standard combat radius of that type of fighter, then they can carry bombs
for ground attack. If you send the fighter to a far away target, then you will
likely lose any ability of the fighter to carry bombs, unless the fighter has
mounting points for both bombs and fuel drop tanks. Some do, some don't.
This leaves us with only the question of what the transfer ranges of the planes are.
Joel might have provided a hint at the answer already. He said the transfer
range of the zero was 71 hexes. If we can't find exact figures for transfer ranges
in a book about the Ki-43, then maybe we can extrapolate the information from
the zero's transfer range. 71 hexes equals 2130 miles. Figure out how much
of a percentage that is more than the zero's maximum combat range in total miles.
Then add add the same percentage increase in miles to the other planes' maximum
combat ranges, and you now have their transfer ranges. ![]("smile.gif") And the results
should be quite accurate overall, if not perfect. It beats wild guessing if
we can't find a source that spells out the transfer ranges of the various Ki-43 models.
The transfer ranges would have to be higher than the maximum combat ranges, because
during a transfer there is no combat at all, just flying at optimum cruise speed
for maximum range to get to a far away base.
And ratster's great info. about that attack backs up the maximum combat radius
figure for the Ki-43-Ia. It may even be able to pull off 800 miles one way,
fight, then return. In fact, if Rangoon is that far away from the base, then
it's a known fact that the Ki-43-Ia has a maximum combat radius of 800 miles.
Can't argue with actual combat performance.
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![]("biggrin.gif")
I think the first author is correct with his armaments/type theories and you can find more info at the second including info on the later type II varients etc.Ranges are given there too and your initial figures appear well out! ![]("eek.gif")
)
Good Luck (and BANZAI!)
Lex Morton
![]("frown.gif")
