Description

      The Ki-83 Hien (Type 3 Fighter) was the only liquid-cooled fighter aircraft among the Japanese fighters that played an active role in the Pacific War . Through efforts to reduce air resistance and weight, it was completed as a well-balanced aircraft that could maximize both speed and maneuverability, and was officially adopted in 1943.

      However, the aircraft's weaknesses were production blunders stemming from a lack of basic industrial capabilities and malfunctions of the Ha40 liquid-cooled engine due to unfamiliarity with maintenance.

      Nevertheless, it achieved success in the air defense of the Philippines, New Guinea, and the Japanese mainland. In particular, during the air defense of the mainland , it maintained a high operational rate thanks to a stable supply of parts and the work of veteran maintenance personnel, and because it had better high-altitude performance than other Japanese aircraft, it fought valiantly against B-29s.

      In particular, the 244th Air Regiment, led by Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi, the youngest squadron commander in the history of the Army, displayed fierce fighting spirit, shooting down more than 160 B-29s by the end of the war, boasting the best unit record in combat.

      The kit replicates the Type C aircraft. Highlights include the detailed sculpting suitable for 1/32 scale and the cockpit, which is made up of numerous parts.

      The familiar large spar components are used at the attachment points between the main wing and the fuselage, ensuring precise positioning. The canopy comes in two types: a one-piece type for the closed position and a three-piece type for the open position.

      One seated figure is included. Two head parts are provided: one with an oxygen mask and one without. Decals are included for the aircraft "295" flown by Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi, commander of the 244th Air Regiment (Chofu Airfield: January 1945), and two other designs.

Actual Aircraft Data:

• Crew: 1,
  
• Wingspan: 12.00m
  
• Length: 8.74m
  
• Height: 3.70m
  
• Engine: Ha-40
  
• Power: 1,100hp/4,200m
  
• Maximum Speed: 580km/h (at an altitude of 5,000m)
• Armament: 2 x 20mm cannons, 2 x 12.7mm guns