One Of The Best Fighters Of World War II...Almost: Mitsubishi Ki-83

In this video, we take a look at the Mitsubishi Ki-83, a Japanese heavy fighter and long-range escort fighter from World War II. We first talk about the global quest for a viable escort fighter, how heavy fighters often proved incapable of doing so, and how countries eventually found viable designs, like the P-51, P-47, P-38, de Havilland Mosquito, and more. We then talk about Japan's efforts to make a long range escort, and start with the initial concept in the Mitsubishi Ki-73. We talk about what made the Ki-73 unique among Japanese aircraft, and how it quickly failed due to engine issues. We then move to its successor in the Ki-83, a twin-engine design much more conventional by Japanese aircraft standards. We talk about its impressive firepower and impressive performance, and how it was shaping up to be an absolute powerhouse. We end by talking about its failure to see service due to issues outside of its control, and how postwar testing revealed even better potential performance.