The single-engine, land-based Ki43 was used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in WWII — and is noted for shooting down more Allied aircraft than any other fighter. Code-named "Oscar" by the Allies, the Ki43-II Hayabusa carried the army designation "Army Type 1 Fighter". The Ki43 was designed by future Japanese rocketry pioneer Hideo Itokawa. In total, 5,919 of the aircraft were produced. Although many were sacrificed to kamikaze missions against the American fleet, the Ki43 gained legendary status for its combat prowess early in the war in East Asia. Only one currently airworthy Oscar exists, located in Oregon's Tillamook Air Museum. Six others survived the war and are in potentially flyable condition.
Skill Level 3
38 pieces
Age 14+ |
