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| JAAF 244th Hiko Sentai |
Aircraft History Built by Kawasaki at Kagamigahara during September 1944. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 3 Fighter / Ki-61-II Kai Tony manufacture number 5070. Armament configuration "Otsu" with 2 x 12.7mm Ho-103 machine cannons in the nose plus 2 x 12.7mm Ho-103 machine cannons in the wings. Wartime History Assigned to the 244th Hiko Sentai (244th Flying Regiment). Tail number 17. This aircraft operated from Tama Airfield. In early September 1945 one of roughly 200 Japanese aircraft surrendered to American occupation forces at Tama Airfield (Fussa Airfield, Yokota Airfield). Display The U.S. occupation forces selected this intact aircraft for display. During late 1945 or early 1946, displayed on a gravel display area in front of the control tower. Until at least 1969, this Tony remained on displayed at Yokota Air Force Base (Yokota AFB). Al Nord recalls: "I saw this Ki-61 sometime in 1969 while I was stationed with the 56th Weather Recon Squadron at Yokota AB Japan. The number 17 is painted on both landing gear doors. Also the upper left side air inlet scoop is a different shape then any of the drawings or paintings of the KI-61's that I have seen. The bottom air scoop is also shaped different. I remember the plane was painted an off white, and #17 on the wheels." Later, transfered to Peace Museum For Kamikaze Pilots (Chairan Kamikaze Museum) and painted in markings of the 244th Sentai with green splotches on the upper surfaces, a black stripe on the fuselage and a red tail with white tail motif with a pair of drop tanks attached. The lower surfaces are white and the leading edge of the wing is painted yellow. Nearby is a pilot figure waving. References Note, this Ki-61 Tony manufacture number is sometimes listed as 5071 [sic] or 61217 [sic]. Some sources incorrectly report this aircraft as a replica. Production figures of the Kawasaki Ki-61 Tony by Jim Long J-Aircraft "The Many Faces of Tony 5017 by Don Marsh and Jim Long Thanks to to Jim Long, Al Nord and Tom Burchill for additional information Contribute
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