Extreme Speeds At High Altitudes - The Forgotten Nakajima Ki-87

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Salute to you for researching these obscure late--war Japanese aircraft. All of them were too little to late, some were very close to being introduced (A7M was long in development, Kikka, Ki-87 etc). Then again their industry were being bombed to oblivion at that point. The only proper late-war planes that saw service were the Ki-84 and Ki-100, both said to be excellent.

Another great video. I may have mentioned this in the comment section of one of your other videos, and I will say it again: thank you for not putting music to your videos.
It provides for such a relaxed and energy saving viewing experience.
Thank you 🙏🏽

A very interesting subject regarding the Ki-87 that had potentiality to be a formidabile aircraft. Who was right where to place the turbocharger? I believe that placing the turbochargers behind the engines was correct making it more simple to maintain, easier installation and less prone to burst into fire. Unfortunately the intense rivalries between the IJN and the IJA in delayed very much putting in production this airplane but also other projects I can well suspect. Thanks for sharing your very interesting video 👍 👍

Another great video upload! Love the research you put into these videos.

Great video! Very impressive late war Japanese fighter!

With all the captured P-40s they had, I wonder why they just didn't copy its landing gear. That late in the war, they surely had access to crashed Corsairs and Hellcats too. I'm sure that GE turbo-superchargers from B-17s and P-38s influenced the design--why not swallow pride first and simply adapt landing gear systems of the same geometry? Overall though a splendid design. Happy (being an Asian whose parents survived the war) though that it wasn't produced. Thank you Aviation Deep Dive!

Some more info:
- design work started in mid 1942, before B-29 info was known in Japan, I believe
- Prototype was without pressurised cockpit
- to be instaled in wings, 2 cm cannons were synchronised to fire through the propeller, and a 30mm cannon in each wing to the outside of the main landing gear wheel wells
- landing gear arrangement was rare in Japanese aircraft development, main landing gear struts would retract backwards and the wheels would rotate 90° to fit flush into the wheel wells - from here was reason for the problem with it - This, however, prevented
any chance of a thorough evaluation of the top speed and full manoeuvrability
- two 300 litre (79 gallon) drop tanks could be fitted, one under each wing

- During the five flights the prototype did make, the pilot reported good handling characteristics and itwas thought that the Ki-87 was superior in
comparison to the Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate

For some reason the Ki-87 and Ki94-II weren't that fast. Considering how clean they look, I'm honestly surprised. The P-47N was considerable faster, but I'm sure the overall maneuverability and energy retention of the Ki-87 and Ki94-II were superior.

Great research! Unfortunately the aircraft was designed for a role that was obviated by LeMay’s switch to low altitude night fire bombing.

It is a good looking plane. Reminds me of the P47

maintenance was a major issue for the IJN after all the airplane service people they lost at Midway.

Oh yes,the Suisei and Shiden Kai's plus many more that people don't even get to hear about unless nerding out on ww2 pacific. Like me. Infact,i nerd out on entire WW2 Air war so much that i searched until i obtained a book with ALL combat aircraft used in WW2. The book is so good i use it every time i start a simulation om the computer. One more thing. I would NEVER know what Russian Škas and Švak shorts stand for if i hadn't fead it there. More of this type of videos please!

youre a really cool channel bro. i like aviation and have been subscribed to several popular aviation channels, by chance i found yours and safe to say its really underrated.

Always thought the Japanese made such beautiful and graceful aircraft during WWII.

Excellent video! Thanks!

My favourite airplane of WW2 has been the P-47 with Razorback.. until i saw that beautiful plane. Thanks for the Video 🤜🤛

Just subbed. Which game do you use for your film footage? Looks great with the after affects!

Reminds me of the P-47 with the 18 cylinder, radial, super charger.

Nicely done video with good research