Product Review

The single-engine, land-based Ki43 was used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in WWII ? and is noted for shooting down more Allied aircraft than any other fighter. Code-named Oscar by the Allies, the Ki43-II Hayabusa carried the army designation Army Type 1 Fighter. The Ki43 was designed by future Japanese rocketry pioneer Hideo Itokawa. In total, 5,919 of the aircraft were produced. Although many were sacrificed to kamikaze missions against the American fleet, the Ki43 gained legendary status for its combat prowess early in the war in East Asia. Only one currently airworthy Oscar exists, located in Oregon's Tillamook Air Museum. Six others survived the war and are in potentially flyable condition. Highly detailed model kit includes waterslide decals and illustrated instructions. Decal options included: 50th Sentai (Fighter Group) 3rd Chutai (Squadron) Sergeant Anabuki 1943; and 59th Sentai (Fighter Group) Sergeant Major Hirohata New Guinnia 1943. Paint colors needed: Red, Blue, Silver, Flat Black, Steel, Orange Yellow, Red Brown, IJA Green, RLM02 Gray, Burnt Iron, Tire Black, Khaki Green, Clear Red, and Clear Blue.