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| JAAF 1st Sentai or 11th Sentai |
Aircraft History Built by Nakajima. Uncoded serial number 472. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa / Ki-43-I Oscar manufacture number 572. Wartime HIstory Assigned to either the 1st Sentai (1st Flying Regiment) or 11th Sentai (11th Flying Regiment). No known markings or tail number. During late January 1943, this Oscar landed with damage at Ballale Airfield. Later, this Oscar was further damaged by Allied bombing and never repaired and abandoned in a boneyard area. Richard Dunn adds: "The 12th FB was the JAAF fighter HQ that controlled 1st and 11th (Sentai) FRs. Both units had particpated in the January 27, 1943 attacks on Guadalcanal. This order may document the situation of the wrecks at Ballale. An extract from 12th Air Sector Operations Order #94, January 28. 1943 reads: 'Five airplanes of the 12th Flying Brigade which were damaged in combat yesterday, were left at Ballale. 14 Field Air Repair Depot will despatch investigating personnel." signed Lt. Col. Kusano, CO 12 Air Sector Forces.' " Wreckage Until December 2005, the tail and wing section of this Oscar remained in situ in a boneyard area. The front half of the aircraft was missing or destroyed. Justin Taylan adds: "The fuselage Hinomaru was still clearly visible. The tail was covered in a soft moss growth." Salvage During December 2005, the tail section was moved to the beach area by Australian Craig Turner / Solomon National Museum Project where it remained due to a dispute with locals. On November 6, 2007 Turner returned with Gary Spoors / GJD Services Ltd. On November 8, 2007 this aircraft was likely loaded aboard the barge MV Tina and transported to Honiara. Afterwards, this aircraft was likely shipped to Australia or the United Kingdom. Current whereabouts today unknown. References Production Record for the Type 1 Fighter (Ki-43) (Oscar) by Jim Long 12th Air Sector Operations Order No. 94, January 28, 1943 Charles Darby noted the manufacture number in 1974 OneNews "Shortland & Ballalae Aircraft Salvage" November 20, 2007 GJD Services - Solomon's (accessed via WaybackMachine.org) circa February 2008 Thanks to Richard Dunn and Charles Darby for additional information Contribute
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 Ki-43  Map  ONE NEWS  Broken Wings of Ballale |
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