Aircraft History
Built by Nakajima. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Ki-43-II Oscar manufacture number unknown. Assigned to the 77th Sentai, 1st Chutai.

This aircraft was painted with mottled green upper surfaces. The leading edge of the wing had a yellow recognition stripe. The rear fuselage had a vertical white stripe to the rear of the Hinomaru. The tail had the unit's motif painted in white on the tail and rudder.

Wartime History
Ferried overseas to the Netherlands East Indies (NEI). This Oscar operated from Cyclops Airfield near Hollandia. Abandoned with the propeller removed and crudely camouflaged with palm frauds.

During late April 1944, this Oscar was captured largely intact by the U.S. Army as they occupied the airfield. Nearby was Ki-43-II Oscar from the 33rd Sentai. Immediately, both aircraft had parts removed as souvenirs by American personnel. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or otherwise disappeared.

References
Thanks to Edward Rogers for research and analysis.

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Last Updated
November 9, 2019