[bearoutwest]

It has been noted (possibly anecdotally) in a number of publications, that the Kawasaki Ha40 engine was not manufactured as well as the Daimler-Benz 601 upon which it was based. Japanese air and ground crews have been noted to be impressed with the clean state of Allied in-line engine aircraft and the lack of oil stains. This perhaps reflecting the Japanese experience with oil leaks from the Ha40.

So my question is this: would a Kawasaki Ki-61 have performed more to its fuller potential if powered by imported DB601s rather than the locally-produced Ha40s?

...geoff