Ki-61 and Ki-100 Aces

By Nicholas Millman and Ronnie Olsthoorn

The Ki-61 'Men' (Flying Swallow) was the only inline-engined (liquid-cooled) monoplane fighter to be used operationally by the Japanese armed forces during World War 2, and when first encountered by Allied pilots was presumed to be of German origin rather than a homegrown machine. The Ki-61 was committed in quantity to the fighting over New Guinea but was plagued by engine problems, which together with other factors, and despite the valiant efforts of its pilots, seriously impeded its undoubted impact on the campaign. Used operationally on other fronts, but only in small numbers, the 'Mien' never achieved its expected potential. During the air defence of Japan it became the equipment of several elite fighter units, and when the airframe was expediently but successfully married to a radial bomber engine due to a shortage of the original inline engines, it became the formidable Ki-100 'Goshikisen' (Type 5 fighter), the mount of several notable aces in the closing months of the war. Osprey Aircraft of the Aces® Comprehensive histories of the elite fighter pilots, and the aircraft that they flew, A unique source of information researched by recognised experts, and brought to life by first-hand accounts from the combat veterans themselves, Concise, authoritative text is supported by at least 30 specially commissioned original colour artworks, new scale plans and the best archival photography from around the world Book jacket.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1780962959
• ISBN13: 9781780962955
• Release Date: November 2015
• Publisher: Osprey Publishing (UK)
• Length: 96 Pages
• Weight: 0.70 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.2" x 7.2" x 9.7"