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| JAAF 68th Hiko Sentai or 78th Hiko Sentai |
Aircraft History Built by Kawasaki at Kagamigahara during February 1943. Uncoded serial number 95. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Type 3 Fighter / Ki-61-Ia Tony manufacture number 195. Armament configuration "Ko" with 2 x 12.7mm Ho-103 machine cannons in the nose with 2 x 7.7mm Type 89 machine guns in the wings. Wartime History During the middle of 1943 flown from Japan via Truk to Vunakanau Airfield near Rabaul. Assigned to either the 68th Hiko Sentai or 78th Hiko Sentai. The rear fuselage had a vertical stripe. No other known markings. Mission History This Tony force landed with the landing gear retracted at Borpop Airfield (Huris) on New Ireland. Little damage was sustained other than the propeller blades bent backward. The date and pilot who force landed this aircraft are unknown. Wreckage This Tony remained in situ at Borpop Airfield (Huris). In the early 1970s, the aircraft had traces of dark green paint on the upper surfaces. The circular outline of the Hinomaru was still visible on the fuselage and upper wings. The rear fuselage had a outline of a vertical identification stripe. The canopy and access panels and hatches were removed. The fuselage had ripples in the aluminum likely caused from the concusion of nearby bomb blasts. In 1974, Charles Darby noted manufacture number 195. Reportedly around that same time dismantled Charles Darby for export but was never recovered. It is unknown if this aircraft remains. References Production figures of the Kawasaki Ki-61 Tony by Jim Long Pacific Aircraft Wrecks page 29 (upper and middle photos) page 55 (lower photo) Thanks to Charles Darby and Ray Fairfield for additional information Contribute
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