| Mainstays of the Japanese War Effort The Hien was officially adopted by the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) in 1943, and stood out among its Japanese aircraft contemporaries in the Pacific War on account of its liquid-cooled Ha-40 engine, slimline fuselage and long, elegant wing. A number of different variants were produced, among them the Ki-61-Id which featured a 20cm-elongated nose to house 20mm cannons, plus 12.7mm machine guns in the wing. In fact, with 1,360 units it was the most prolifically produced Hien variant; its superior performance at higher altitudes meant that it was often given the brief of taking on incoming U.S. B29 bombers in the skies around the home islands of Japan. One IJA unit which notably deployed the Hien was the 244th Air Group led by Captain Teruhiko Kobayashi. From the request of the Japanese army, the world's first light weight 4x4 vehicles were developed and named "Kurogane." From December 1937 after various improvements, a new type was produced. It carried three passengers, and had a 1,400cc, 33hp air cooled V type two-cylinder engine. It had front wheel independent, rear wheel leaf spring suspension and large tires. From 1930 to 1939, about 4,800 vehicles of various types were made. The lightweight 4x4 Kurogane was used for reconnaissance and communication in China, South East Asia, and the Pacific. |
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About the Ki-61-Id Hien Model Length: 187mm (Hien), 75mm (Kurogane). Image shows painted and assembled kits. Additional items required to complete kits as illustrated |
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