The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien ("Swallow") fighter represented a major departure for Japanese aircraft design in World War II. While other Japanese fighters were designed with air-cooled radials and were optimized for maneuverability, the Ki-61 used a liquid-cooled in-line engine and was designed for speed and power. In fact, the Ki-61 was so different from other Japanese fighters that when the type was first encountered in combat over New Guinea in June 1943, the Allies thought it wasn't a Japanese design at all. At first they believed it was a copy of the German Messerschmitt Me-109, then suspected it was a copy of the Italian Macchi C.202 Foglore or similar Italian fighter. For this reason they gave it the code-name "Antonio", or "Tony", though by the summer of 1943 the Allies were convinced the Ki-61 was in fact a Japanese design.

The Hien proved initially successful in combat against American fighters. As the war in the Pacific ground on, however, the Ki-61 found itself increasingly outclassed, but it soldiered on until the end of hostilities.

Pictured here is a 1:72 scale diecast replica of a Japanese Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien "Tony" fighter that was attached to the 244th Fighter Squadron, then deployed to Chofu Airfield during 1945. #OXFAC077

Dimensions:
Wingspan: 6-1/2-inches
Length: 4-3/4-inches

Features:
- Diecast metal construction
- Landing gear in a gear up configuration
- Plexiglass canopy
- Spinning propeller
- Accurate markings and insignia
- Comes with display stand

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