Hasegawa Plastic Model Kit

Nakajima Ki43-II Late Version Hayabusa [Oscar] 25Th Regiment #01 (1/48) 07553

This 1/48 scale plastic model kit from Hasegawa represents the Nakajima Ki43-II Hayabusa, known to Allied forces by the reporting name “Oscar.” The Ki-43 was one of the most widely used Imperial Japanese Army Air Force fighters of WWII, valued for its manoeuvrability and lightweight construction.

This late-version release depicts an aircraft of the I.J.A.A.F. 25th Flight Regiment, 1st Squadron, flown by Captain Takashi Tsuchiya in China during 1943 to 1944. Based on the JT82 tooling, the kit contains 82 parts and accurately captures the slim fuselage, radial engine, and rounded wing planform characteristic of the Hayabusa. Once assembled, the completed model measures approximately 186mm in length with a wingspan of 226mm.

• 1/48 scale plastic model kit
• Nakajima Ki43-II Late Version “Hayabusa”
• 25th Flight Regiment special markings
• 82 parts
• Finely engraved surface detail
• Finished size: 186mm length × 226mm wingspan
• Supplied unpainted and requires assembly

History

The Ki-43 entered service in 1941 and quickly became the primary fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. Its light weight and responsive handling made it highly agile in dogfights, particularly in the early stages of the war.

The Ki43-II variant incorporated improvements such as increased armour and more powerful armament in response to evolving combat conditions. Aircraft of the 25th Flight Regiment saw extensive service in China, where they supported Japanese ground operations during the middle years of the conflict.