Aircraft Unit Identification

[Luftflotte2]

They are of the 56th Fighter Sentai. Which sports a very Japanese version of the number 56. A white symbol indicates the first Chutai.

[windswords]

I was going to say that but you beat me to it. This unit got some samples of the very rare Ki-61-III (really was Ki-61-II something (KAIc?) but I think if it had been mass produced it would have become -III). This particular plane had the advanced engine of the -II and a cut down rear fuselage with an all around vision canopy, similar to the later Ki-100-Ib. My sources say the 56th got 4 of these planes but no mention is made of their combat performance.

[AVV]

Hello!

This unit got some samples of the very rare Ki-61-III (really was Ki-61-II something (KAIc?) but I think if it had been mass produced it would have become -III). This particular plane had the advanced engine of the -II and a cut down rear fuselage with an all around vision canopy, similar to the later Ki-100-Ib.

Do you mean this plane?
http://letka-barbaru.wz.cz/ki61/b_43.jpg
The text in Russian says this is Ki-61-II kai otsu of 5th sentai flown by captain Ito Fujutaro.

Best regards, Aleks

[Peter H]

Thanks,much appreciated.

[Luftflotte2]

Are there any photos of this particular type? I've only seen plates of them, like the one Aleks posted.

[windswords]

Aleks,

Yes, that is the one. However I've seen no written sources that said the 5th Sentai ever got that model, only the 56th. Also I could find no reference Ito Fujutaro, so I don't know if he is a real person or not. There is a Ito Fujutaro, but he is a Ki-45 "Nick" pilot who belongs to a different Sentai.

Luftflotte2,

Not too long ago there was a thread on WWIIAircraft.Net in the aviation section about this plane and some posted two different pictures of it. Here they are:

The first one is taken shortly after the war.
The second one you may have already seen, it's a fairly well know pic. If you look close at both you will see that they have a cut down rear fuselage.

[windswords]

Here's a bonus:

A model of a "Ki-61-IV", a Ki-61 with a all vision canopy and a 4 bladed prop. A "what if" model by sequoiaranger posted at http://www.whatifmodelers.com/index.php ... ew;id=2262.

[Luftflotte2]

Thanks windswords I have seen the second photo but I never really noticed that it was a Ki-61-III. I think this aircraft is very good looking!

[Luftflotte2]

Ki-100-I Otsu belonging to Lieutenant Mamoru Tatsuda, 111th Fighter Sentai, 2th Daitai, 5th Chutai. Stripes are in blue.
from http://www.warbirdphotographs.com/

[Luftflotte2]

Same source

My favorite aircraft: the B7A Ryusei. These aircraft are of the of the Kogeki Hikutai 5, within the 752nd Kokutai. Kogeki Hikutai 5 was the only unit which had only B7As.

1. "752-03" was stationed at Katori air base.
2. "752-24" must also be stationed at Katori air base.
3. "752-53" was stationed at Kisarazu, Chiba prefecture. seen just after the war in this shot.

[AVV]

Hello!

However I've seen no written sources that said the 5th Sentai ever got that model, only the 56th. Also I could find no reference Ito Fujutaro, so I don't know if he is a real person or not. There is a Ito Fujutaro, but he is a Ki-45 "Nick" pilot who belongs to a different Sentai.

According to Russian text, Ito flew this plane in April 1945. It is also mentioned that he flew Ki-45 in 1943-44, so this is obviously the person you speak about.
This picture is from article about Ki-61 published in Russian magazine "History of Aviation".

Best regards, Aleks

[windswords]

Спасибо Aleks!

So now it is a real possibility that Ito piloted one of these. I wonder if he was the only pilot who had one in the 5th Sentai? There seems to be a lot of good information on Russian, Polish, and Czech websites. I wish I knew more of those languages than just a few phrases.

Windswords

[Luftflotte2]

from http://img62.imageshack.us/i/kanjiz.jpg/

57th Shinbutai.

[Luftflotte2]

From ebay seller: 6152wek.

A Ki-43 Hayabusa at Clark Field, July 1945. Can anyone make out the unit?

[Luftflotte2]

from http://img62.imageshack.us/i/kanjiz.jpg/

57th Shinbutai.

Looks like the number is 23 therefore the pilot in this photo is Corporal Hajime Shimizu.