ARTICLE
the Bf 109 ‘Emil’ and ‘Friedrich’ series. While the
of the gunners a little bit more, so the H6K4 is not as
handling is quite similar, the armament isn’t.
vulnerable as in previous versions especially at this tier.
The Ki-61-I ko variant opts for 2x7.7mm and 2x12.7mm
The bad news is that the H6K4 is is the bomber with the
MG, while the otsu variant comes mounted with
biggest bomb load until Tier IV when the G5N1 Shinzan
4x12.7mm MG, both of which requires you to practice a
and G8N1 Renzan heavy bombers become available.
bit of gun discipline by closing the gap and firing bursts
at vulnerable areas. The Ki-61 is not exactly a turn
Suggested Research: Ki-61-I ko Hien
fighter, although it does retain energy relatively well
→ Ki-61-I otsu Hien → H6K
compared to other fighters, so getting a guns solution
on a rapidly maneuvering fighter desperately trying
BR 2.7
to get away from your guns might be more difficult.
Recommended lineup: A6M2-N, Ki-61-I ko
The H6K4 has a decent bomb load at BR 2.3, coupled
Hien, Ki-61-I otsu Hien, Ki-45 otsu Toryu, H6K
with a relatively nasty 20mm tail gunner that can take
(3 fighters, 1 heavy fighter, 1 bomber)
out early interceptors relatively easily if they decide to
stay on your tail for too long. It can also climb pretty well,
The A6M2-N, the floatplane variant of the A6M2
and at this BR, interceptors are not exactly available in
Reisen fighter (or Zero), is the first decent plane
abundance. It is also surprisingly maneuverable and fast
with decent cannons at BR 2.7. Unfortunately,
for its size compared to the Catalina. The 1.49 update
the floats that the plane comes with kill off any
seems to improve bombers’ durability and the lethality
maneuverability and energy retention advantage you
12 // War Thunder Community Magazine
The GameOn Magazine