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JAAF 24th Hiko Sentai 2nd or 3rd Chutai |
Aircraft History Built by Nakajima during June 1942. Uncoded serial number unknown (three digits). Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 1 Fighter Hayabusa / Ki-43-II Oscar manufacture number unknown (four digits). Wartime History Assigned to the 24th Hiko Sentai (24th Flying Regiment) to an unknown Chutai (likely the 2nd Chutai or 3rd Chutai) in New Guinea. This aircraft had a mottled green camouflage painted atop the bare aluminum. The fuselage Hinomaru (Rising Sun) was outlined with a 75mm white border. Tail had a stylized lightning bolt, the motif of the 24th Hiko Sentai. On the upper portion of the rudder was a white rectangle with two lines, the motif of the 4th Air Army. Likely, this Oscar force landed in kunai grass or at or near a Japanese airfield. The leading edge of the right wingtip was damaged and the three bladed propeller blades were bent on landing. Wreckage During 1944 this Oscar was captured by Allied forces. Afterwards, disassembled with the engine removed and the fuselage and wings unbolted from the fuselage and tail. The disassembled pieces were transported to Milne Bay and photographed by U. S. Army Air Fore (USAAF) Captain W. E. Williamson, 308th Airdrome Squadron (308th ADS) with Allied personnel looking at the pieces as they arrived with barge SB210 nearby. Likely, this Oscar was shipped elsewhere for technical study or evaluation possibly Eagle Farm Airfield or to the United States. Ultimate fate unknown, likely scrapped or disappeared. References Emblems of the Rising Sun (1999) page 23 (24th Sentai 1938–1945) |Thanks to Edward Rogers and Richard Dunn for additional information Contribute
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