Mitsubishi Ki-46-III „Dinah“ – the Japanese fighter - interceptor

The Japanese plane manufactured by Mitsubishi, designated Ki-46 Type 100, is one of the most beautiful and effective in combat operations during World War II. It was built as a high-speed long-range reconnaissance aircraft. It was built in 1940 by KB, led by Tomi Kubo. This almost perfect aerodynamic silhouette plane was unrivaled among Allied aircraft operating over the Pacific until almost the end of the war. Confirmation of this is the fact, that during the tests it was of great interest to Luftwaffe specialists. Serial production started at the end of 1940. These machines were initially flown unarmed, because they were so fast, that Allied fighters could not catch them. The reconnaissance version of the Ki-46 was "armed" with a group of cameras, and the real armament consisted of only one machine gun firing in the tail sphere. As usual in Japan, the plane had no name, only a type number - Ki-46 III KAI. Received the Allied code name "Dinah". The main disadvantage of the plane was the weak undercarriage, which often broke during landing. In early 1943, when the Japanese islands were under threat of being bombed by B-29 bombers, the need arose for a high-altitude fighter, capable of reaching the flight altitude of the "Superfortresses". And he had to be fast. The available fighters were not suitable for such tasks, so the Ki-46 was chosen to be converted into an interceptor. Several versions of the fighter were built with different armament. The fighters are designated Ki-46 III, the most original of which was the Ki-46 III KAI with a 37mm caliber gun, firing at an angle of 30 degrees up and forward from the "back" of the aircraft. This made it possible to attack enemy bombers from the most inconvenient position for their crews - from below, where usually the defensive armament is weakest. A total of 609 units in different versions of this fighter were produced. Later, almost all Ki-46 II reconnaissance aircraft made were converted into three-seater training aircraft, designated Ki-46 II KAI.

An uncomplicated, interesting model with simplified cabin interior detailing. Recommended for modelers of all experience, only advanced beginners and less experienced modelers are advised to work under the supervision of a more experienced colleague - it will not only be easier, but also more fun. For the inexperienced, we recommend not to make the interior of the cabins, to make opaque cabin hoods, including the landing gear - the plane is in the flight phase. Antiquarian publication.