Comments: Softcover, 80 pages, 25 black-and-white and 8 color photos, 12 color plates, 4 illustrations


ISBN: 978-1-4728-1886-7


Price: $18


Publisher: Osprey Publishing

From the publisher: By the time the Americans began their aerial bombardment of Japan in 1944, Japanese air forces had been severely depleted. What the Japanese did have, though, was the Ki-44, Allied code name “Tojo.” Armed with two 40mm cannons, it was the most heavily armed and feared single-seat fighter flying against the new American bomber, the B-29 Superfortress. The bomber crews had what they believed was their “ace in hole” — potent armament that included four remotely operated gun turrets and a tail gunner, making it the world’s most advanced self-defending bomber.

In every respect, the Ki-44 pilots were fighting a desperate end game. Many who made their mark did so through suicidal ramming attacks (taiatari) — a terrifying tactic, but one that revealed Japan’s inability to stop the B-29.

FSM says: Modelers will the various cockpit closeups of both aircraft especially useful.