Aircraft History
Built by Kawasaki at Kagamigahara during September 1943. Uncoded serial number 421. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 3 Fighter Hein / Ki-61-Ib Tony manufacture number 521. This aircraft had "Ko" armament of 2 x 12.7mm Ho-103 machine cannons in the nose with two 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns in the wings. When lost, engine serial number 562.

Wartime History
Assigned to the 68th Sentai, Sentai Hombu (Headquarters). The tail had a stylized "6 in V" painted in dark blue. This aircraft was abandoned at Alexishafen Airfield.

Wreckage
Until at least 1974, the tail section and engine of this aircraft remained in situ. In 1974, the tail section was inspected by Charles Darby who noted the manufacture number, tail markings and engine serial number.

References
Emblems of the Rising Sun (1999) page 32 (68th Sentai, Sentai Hombu)
Thanks to Charles Darby and Jim Lansdale for additional information

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Last Updated
September 6, 2024