Ki-43 ‘Oscar’ Aces of World War 2

Ki-43 ‘Oscar’ Aces of World War 2 cover

Ki-43 ‘Oscar’ Aces of World War 2

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Description

Dubbed the 'Oscar' by the Allies, the Ki-43 Hayabusa was the most prolific Japanese fighter of World War II. Produced in great numbers, it initially proved superior to most US and British fighter types, due to its excellent maneuverability. The light weight and large wing area gave it a small turning radius and a high rate-of-climb which was ideal for pilots in close combat fighting. However, the Ki-43's swiftness and agility came at a price, with the low-wing design meaning that firepower and safety had to be sacrificed. With only two machine guns, a Ki-43 pilot would have to perform a dangerous balancing act between achieving a high rate of kills and their own survival. Surprisingly, more Japanese pilots achieved Ace status flying the Hayabusa than any other plane and despite being steadily outclassed by new fighters, the Ki-43 remained in frontline JAAF service until the war's end. This book expertly charts the experiences of the pilots and discusses the early stages of the war in South-East Asia, China, Burma and New Guinea. Accompanied by detailed appendices and specially commissioned artwork, this is the first volume in English to focus exclusively on the exploits of the Ki-43.

Table of Contents

Chapter 1 Birth of the Ki-43
Chapter 2 Burma
Chapter 3 China
Chapter 4 New Guinea
Chapter 5 The Philippines
Appendices

Product details

Published Mar 31 2009
Format Paperback
Edition 1st
Extent 96
ISBN 9781846034084
Imprint Osprey Publishing
Illustrations 80 b/w; 32 col
Dimensions 248 x 184 mm
Series Aircraft of the Aces
Short code ACE 85
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing

About the contributors

Author

Hiroshi Ichimura

Hiroshi Ichimura is the son of a JAAF wartime pilo…

Illustrator

Jim Laurier

Jim Laurier is a native of New England and lives i…

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