Talk:Nakajima Ki-43/@comment-107.184.201.220-20170323220031

If twin 20mm cannons were too much for the Ki 43, then what if they used one imported MG 151/20 and one 12.7mm Ho-103 or 13mm MG 131 for better sync RoF. Using Allied Browning based synchronized guns that were so much slower than their Axis partner's own designs, is unforgivable. The Ki 43 is unduly punished with a reduction of over 50% as a result. So are other fighters but they have more guns in the wings to compensate. The Oscar is struck. Using Luftwaffe guns may seem extreme, but to me it is called for in this case. A 10% reductiontion of bombers, vs 50+% would be a meaningful improvement for the Oscar. Of course to really solve the meager firepower of the Ki 43, it would need wing guns. If the 40mm Ho-103 is rejected for interception, then why not try it on the best dogfighter. It's lightweight and fast firing for it's class and has no recoil. Granted, it has minimal ammo, but the Oscar would certainly no longer be under-gunned, at least for the first salvo or so. Allied pilots would be taken off guard for sure. It would even the odds after the first shot.

Next, the Oscar was underpowered. Just drop in the 1560 hp Ha-112-II motor. This Oscar would deserve to be produced for the duration!