Kawasaki KI-61 – I Hien (Tony) #5740

The Cobi Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien #5740, also known by its Allied code name “Tony,” was a Japanese World War II fighter aircraft. It was designed by Takeo Doi and his team at Kawasaki Heavy Industries, and first flew in December 1941. The Ki-61 was designed to be a high-performance fighter aircraft with a top speed of 580 km/h (360 mph) at 6,000 meters (19,700 feet) altitude.

The Ki-61 was powered by a liquid-cooled, inverted V-12 engine, the Ha-40, which produced 1,175 horsepower. The aircraft had a distinctive fuselage shape, with a long nose and a high tail, and was constructed primarily of metal, with some wooden components.

The Ki-61 was produced in several variants, including the Ki-61-I, which was armed with two 12.7mm machine guns and two 20mm cannon. The Ki-61-II was an improved version with a more powerful engine and improved armament. Some versions of the Ki-61 were also equipped with drop tanks for extended range.

The aircraft was first used in combat during the Guadalcanal campaign in late 1942, and was generally well-regarded by its pilots. The Ki-61’s high speed and maneuverability made it effective against Allied aircraft, and it was used in a variety of roles, including air defense, ground attack, and reconnaissance.