Osprey Publishing Home
Ki-43 ‘Oscar’ Aces of World War 2
- Delivery and returns info
-
Free CA delivery on orders $40 or over
Description
Dubbed the 'Oscar' by the Allies, the Ki-43 Hayabusa was the most prolific Japanese fighter of World War II. Produced in great numbers, it initially proved superior to most US and British fighter types, due to its excellent maneuverability. The light weight and large wing area gave it a small turning radius and a high rate-of-climb which was ideal for pilots in close combat fighting. However, the Ki-43's swiftness and agility came at a price, with the low-wing design meaning that firepower and safety had to be sacrificed. With only two machine guns, a Ki-43 pilot would have to perform a dangerous balancing act between achieving a high rate of kills and their own survival. Surprisingly, more Japanese pilots achieved Ace status flying the Hayabusa than any other plane and despite being steadily outclassed by new fighters, the Ki-43 remained in frontline JAAF service until the war's end. This book expertly charts the experiences of the pilots and discusses the early stages of the war in South-East Asia, China, Burma and New Guinea. Accompanied by detailed appendices and specially commissioned artwork, this is the first volume in English to focus exclusively on the exploits of the Ki-43.
Table of Contents
Chapter 2 Burma
Chapter 3 China
Chapter 4 New Guinea
Chapter 5 The Philippines
Appendices
Product details
Published | Mar 31 2009 |
---|---|
Format | Paperback |
Edition | 1st |
Extent | 96 |
ISBN | 9781846034084 |
Imprint | Osprey Publishing |
Illustrations | 80 b/w; 32 col |
Dimensions | 248 x 184 mm |
Series | Aircraft of the Aces |
Short code | ACE 85 |
Publisher | Bloomsbury Publishing |
Reviews

Resources
Discover More
Visit our exclusive member's website to see artwork, maps, and more from this book.

Resources
Book Vote
Tell us what titles you would like to see published by Osprey, then vote for your favourites in our monthly book vote!