Arma Hobby – 70079 – Nakajima Ki-43 II Hayabusa Foreign Services

Description:

Unassembled plastic model kit in 1/72 scale of a Japanese WWII fighter aircraft Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa.

The Nakajima Ki-43-II Hayabusa, an improved version of the original Ki-43-I, was a highly maneuverable Japanese fighter used extensively during World War II. Introduced in 1942, the Ki-43-II featured a more powerful Nakajima Ha-115 engine, self-sealing fuel tanks, and additional armor for the pilot—enhancements aimed at addressing the aircraft’s vulnerability. It retained the exceptional agility of its predecessor but remained lightly armed with two 12.7 mm Ho-103 machine guns. The Ki-43-II was widely deployed in the Pacific and China-Burma-India theaters, proving effective in dogfights but increasingly outmatched by Allied aircraft as the war progressed.

In terms of operational service outside Japan, the Manchukuoan Air Force used the Ki-43-II toward the later stages of the war. As a puppet state under Japanese control, Manchukuo received these aircraft primarily for homeland defense against Soviet incursions. After Japan’s surrender in 1945, some remaining aircraft were seized by Chinese Communist forces. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Air Force operated the Ki-43-II during the war, having received them from Japan after aligning with the Axis. Thai pilots used them in limited engagements, including border skirmishes, but after the war, the remaining Ki-43s continued in service for a short period before being retired as more modern aircraft became available.

Second release of the Arma Hobby Nakajima Ki-43 kit tooled in late 2024 (Arma Hobby – 70078 – Nakajima Ki-43 II Hayabusa) focusing in foreign users of the type and including also a U.S. captured marking. 3D file included for download and self print, with same content than in the original release:

3D file content:

• exhaust pipes – two types
• former with pilot’s seat and seatbelts
• gun barrels
• oil cooler
• fuel cooler

Markings:

• Nakajima Ki-43 II Hayabusa, 2nd Hiko Tai, Manchukuoan Air Force 1944
• Nakajima Ki-43 II Hayabusa, 15th Hiko Chutai, Royal Thai Airforce, Don Muang airport, summer 1943
• Nakajima Ki-43 II Hayabusa, 8th Fighter Squadron, 49th Fighter Group, Hollandia, May-June 1944

As usual in the brand, include also self-adhesive paint mask.