Hasegawa - 1/48 KAWASAKI Ki61-I HEI HIEN (TONY)

The Japanese Army Air Force was extremely conservative in its view of what constituted a good fighter. As a result, when the JAAF entered the Pacific War, its main fighter was the obsolete (by Western standards) Nakajima Ki.27 (Nate), and its newest fighter ‑ which only equipped one fighter Sentai ‑ was the already‑obsolescent Ki.43 Hayabusa (Oscar). While both fighters were highly‑maneuverable and could give Western opponents fits, an Allied fighter pilot had only to keep his speed up and avoid high‑g "dogfight" maneuvering in the horizontal plane to neutralize the good qualities of either fighter, with the Allied pilot able to break off combat at will through use of superior speed overall, and higher diving speeds, not to mention the fact the Allied fighter could take more punishment from the light armament of the two fighters (two .30 caliber machine guns each) and still get home.

The first JAAF fighter to meet Western standards to enter combat in the Pacific War was the Kawasaki Ki.61, known as the Type 3 Model 1 land‑based interceptor. The Japanese name was Hien, which translates as "Flying Swallow"; the Allied code name was "Tony," due to the fact the first Allied reports of the fighter saw it as a development of either the Bf-109E or the Macchi C.202. First encountered over New Guinea in 1943, the Tony gave a good account of itself through the remainder of the Pacific War, and was considered by its opponents to be one of the most dangerous Japanese fighters, and very difficult to shoot down.

Hasegawa has become a leader in scale plastic kits by producing highly detailed models that impress the most demanding hobbyists. Because of the accuracy found in such areas as cockpits, interiors, engines, weapon bays and aircraft wheel bays, many Hasegawa models are built by professionals for museum displays. Ultimately, Hasegawa understands that the reward in model building goes beyond successful assembly. For the enthusiast, each model represents an opportunity to explore history, learn more about the subject and create a scale miniature to enjoy for a lifetime.

Features:

-Accurate scale model

-Highly detailed model kit

-Detailed instructions provided

-May require assembly and painting

-Waterslide decals

-Illustrated instructions

-Complete cockpit detail including walls and control panel

-Positionable radiator exhaust door

-Detailed engine and landing gear

-Movable propeller

-Wing mounted auxiliary fuel tanks

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