Category Archives: Japan

Mitsubishi A6M3a Model 22 Zero

The greater Solomons Campaign extended from the final securing of Guadalcanal in February 1943 until the major Japanese base at Rabaul was isolated and reduced to impotence in early 1944. Arguably even longer, fighting continued on several of the islands … Continue reading

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Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero

One of the most famous captured aircraft of the War. Let’s look at the story of a Zero that changed hands early in the Aleutians Campaign.

Posted in Fighter, Japan, USA | Tagged , , | 10 Comments

Nakajima Ki-27 Nate

A good pre-War design, the Ki-27 continued in wide service later than most other fighters of its generation. Let’s look at a fighter that was a part of Japan’s conquest of the Philippines.

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Nakajima B5N2 Kate

One of Japan’s modern types that shook the Western World at the start of the Pacific War. Let’s take a look at a particularly significant example.

Posted in Bomber - Naval, Japan | Tagged , , | 22 Comments

Mitsubishi A6M1 Zero

Part of the first wave of great World War II fighters, the first flight of Mitsubishi’s famous Zero came on April 1, 1939. Let’s take a look at an important type that was so secret it was almost entirely unnoticed … Continue reading

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Mitsubishi A5M4 Claude

The immediate predecessor of Japan’s most famous wartime product, the A5M continued to serve in a secondary capacity all through the War years. Let’s take a look at one that was involved in the massive Midway operation.

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 11 Comments

Nakajima A6M2-N Rufe

The float version of the Zero was perhaps the most successful floatplane fighter ever built. This will also be the mildest sort of “hypothetical” build I can even imagine. The aircraft is real, its service by unit and location are … Continue reading

Posted in Fighter, Hypothetical, Japan | Tagged , , | 16 Comments

Kawasaki Ki-45 Nick

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.

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Isuzu TX40

Once again, I fearlessly embrace utilitarian over anything actually interesting! So let’s take a (hopefully) brief look at something necessary.

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Kawasaki Ki-100

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.

Posted in Fighter, Japan | Tagged , , | 22 Comments