MAQUETTE À MONTER - KAWASAKI TYPE 3 FIGHTER HIEN (TONY) '244th Fighter Group' **LIKE NEW INSIDE UNOPENED**
Prix régulier 25,00 € TTC 6%
Characteristics
| Condition | Like New Inside Unopened - Intérieur non ouvert |
| Scale | 1:48 |
| Manufacturer | Hasegawa |
| Size of the box | 34 x 19 x 5 cm |
Description
The Japanese Army Ki-61-I Hien, code named "Tony" by the allied forces, was the only mass produced Japanese fighter to use a liquid engine during the conflict. Great efforts were made during its design to keep it light, and this produced a well balanced fighter interceptor, with good high altitude performance and maneuverability. Its only drawback was the engine, for which Japan had little knowledge of liquid engine design, production or operations.
This was countered somewhat in mainland Japan where skilled maintenance personnel and an adequate supply of spare parts were available when needed. The "Tony" served in the Philippines and New Guinea campaigns and in the air defense of mainland Japan. Following the loss of the Philippines, and the initial raids on Japan by China based B-29's, large numbers of the Ki-61-I were assigned to the defense of mainland Japan. The most famous squadron using the Hien was the 244th Sentai,commanded by Japan's youngest squadron leader, Major T. Kobayashi. This squadron accounted for 150 B29's downed during the war and flew the Ki-61-I until the end of the conflict.
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