Category Archives: Japan

This twin was Japan’s attempt at a twin engine “heavy fighter”. Serving from 1942 to the end of the War, the Ki-45 can be regarded a reasonable entry to the genre.

This late War Japanese Army fighter was almost certainly the most important Japanese aircraft to never get an Allied code name. Let’s take a look at a seriously good airplane that seems to have escaped the notice of Allied intelligence.

Air Raid, Pearl Harbor! Obviously the most famous Japanese fighter of World War II. The US military was abruptly introduced to the type on December 7, 1941. Let’s take a look at a participant in that attack.

The Japanese Army’s newest fighter at the start of the Pacific War, the Ki-43 remained in service to the end of the war.  Long past it’s obsolescence. Let’s look at a late war Oscar.

The Japanese aircraft industry produced some excellent high performance fighters towards the end of the war. The N1K was generally considered the very best among the naval types. Join me for a look at fighter that Allied pilots were thankful … Continue reading →

The least successful variant of the Zero, the Hamp also may have had one of the most confusing designations! After the jump, a look at the first major upgrade of Mitsubishi’s legendary fighter.