Allied intelligence initially believed Ki-61s were Messerschmitt Bf 109s and later an Italian Macchi C.202, which led to the Allied reporting name of " Tony ", assigned by the United States War Department. [3] . The design originated as a variant of the …

Kawasaki Ki-61-Ib Hein (Tony) Believed to be a license-built Messerschmitt Bf 109 following initial encounters, the Ki-61 was the only mass-produced Japanese fighter of WWII which featured a liquid-cooled engine.

May 19, 2018 · Page details technical specifications, development, and operational history of the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony) Single-Seat, Single-Engine Monoplane Fighter / Interceptor Aircraft including pictures.

Aug 29, 2018 · A Japanese Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Allied code name “Tony”) of 149th Shimbu Unit at Ashiya airfield in Fukuoka, Japan. At first sighting, the Allies did not realize the Ki-61 was a Japanese aircraft because it looked different from the usual Japanese fighters.

Jan 6, 2023 · The Ki-61 Tony was a Japanese World War II fighter aircraft and was considered Japan’s only real answer to the P-38 Lighting. Here are ten facts about this performance fighter aircraft: 1.

Many of you are familiar with the existence of one particular Ki 61 aircraft found at Chofu AB; described as a "chocolate bar" brown Tony with white combat stripe & insignia of the 244th Sentai and displaying a large "kelly-green shamrock" on both sides of the fuselage.

Describes the development history, photos, technical specification and line drawings of the Japan Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien Tony single-seat fighter. Includes photos, leave your comment and vote for your favorite aircraft.

The Kawasaki Ki 61 Hien Swallow (Tony) went into production in August 1942 as the Army Type 3 Fighter Model 1 Hien but did not see action until June 1943. Initial tests showed it to be faster and more maneuverable than all other Japanese fighter aircraft except the KI-43 (Oscar).

One of the first Ki-100 units destroyed 14 F6F Hellcats over Okinawa in their first major encounter - without loss to themselves. The easily-flown and serviced Ki-100 fought supremely well against Allied fighters and B-29 bombers to the very end of hostilities in the Pacific.

The Ki-61, known as "Tony" in the Allied code, proved to be a match for Allied fighters, due chiefly to its particularly heavy armament, good protective armor, and high speed in dives. The Ki-61 was one of the few interceptors that could reach the same altitude as the the American B-29 Superfortresses.