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  Ki-49-II Helen Manufacture Number 3140  
JAAF
? Sentai

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David Pennefather 1970s

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Phil Bradley 1998

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Justin Taylan 2003

Aircraft History
Built by Nakajima during the middle of March 1943. Uncoded serial number 140. Delivered to the Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) as Army Type 100 Heavy Bomber Donryu / Ki-49-II (Helen) manufacture number 3140.

Wartime History
Assigned to an unknown Hiko Sentai (Air Regiment). No known markings or tail number. This Helen operated from Dagua Airfield. While parled at the western end of the runway on the inland side damaged by Allied bombing and strafing that destroyed the nose and center section. Likely under repair or afterwards stripped for usable parts then abandoned.

On March 21, 1945 when Dagua Airfield was captured by the Australian Army 2/2nd Infantry Battalion. Afterwards, Allied intelligence examined the wrecked Japanese planes including this bomber.

Wreckage
This Helen remains in situ at Dagua Airfield near Urip villages. The airframe shows evidence of damage sustained from air raids that likely destroyed the nose and center section. One engine remains off the engine mount with the propeller removed. In the 1970s, Charles Darby noted manufacture number 3140. During September 2003, Justin Taylan stenciled manufacture number 3140 stenciled on the leading edge of the wing. Sometime prior to June 2005, the tail fin was removed and reportedly scrapped.

Lawrence Hickey adds:
"I visited this wreck in June 2005, and someone had cut off the fin with bush knives and sold it for scrap. It was sad."

References
"Nakajima Ki-49 Serial Numbers" by Jim Long for production data
Thanks to Charles Darby and Justin Taylan for additional information

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Last Updated
July 29, 2023

 

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Ki-49

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