Ki-43 Hayabusa 1/72 – kit options

Like you, we too can’t wait for the new 1/72 scale model kit of the legendary Japanese Ki-43 Hayabusa (‘Oscar’) fighter. The engineers in the tooling workshop are still fine-tuning the injection parameters, while we can take a look at the variants of the aircraft you will find in the kit box.

The Ki-43 Hayabusa is an aircraft that was used by the Japanese in combat throughout the entire war period, so it underwent many modifications during this time. There were three basic versions, designated by Roman numerals: Ki-43 I, Ki-43 II and Ki-43 III. There were quite a few differences between them, as important as wing span, armament or engine, but also minor ones. Also within each version, early, middle and late production series and even more sub-variants can be distinguished. In view of the great variety and complexity, we decided for the time being to release a model of the Ki-43 II version in several sub-variants from the middle production series.

Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa 1/72 – zapowiedź modelu na targach w Tokio!

Let’s see how it looks in the 3D renders of the model kit.

Exhaust tubes

The kit includes two variants of exhaust tubes, and there is also a separate panel for each one behind the tubes on the each side of the fuselage. This conveniently allows the model to be built with tubes from early and mid-series production versions of the Ki-43 II.

 

 

Headrests

Different headrests appeared in subsequent versions of the aircraft. However, the headrest variant is not a sure indication of the version. Experienced pilots often had them swapped according to their habits (it was mainly about rear visibility). Sometimes the headrests were completely removed. We provided three variants in the kit: a smaller and a larger headrest, and no headrest at all.

 

Fuel drop tanks

Although the Hayabusa often flew without fuel drop tanks – so as not to reduce the aircraft’s performance – subsequent versions had the option of using them, which was used on longer missions or for transfers to distant airbases. In our kit we have included two variants of tanks, an early one on the inside of the landing gear, attached directly to the wings, and a later variant, suspended under both variants of the bomb pylons. Interestingly, both early and late tanks were used in pairs or singly, as required. During the final period of the war, kamikaze missions also used an asymmetrical ordnance: one tank and one bomb. There is no bomb in this kit, but you can always use the stock from the Ki-84 Hayate kit.

Underwing pylons

In later versions of our aircraft, the wings were fitted with under-wing pylons used to hang bombs and fuel tanks. Two variants of pylons were used, both of which we have included in the kit. The first I have already shown, with the later-type tanks. Below is the second variant of pylons.

 

Fuel cooler

Later series of the Ki-43 II version used a fuel cooler under the fuselage.

More details in 3D print

These are all out-of-the-box variants, while more demanding modellers can look out for additional 3D printed details. This technology allows for even more precise details, especially hollow parts such as exhaust tubes, gun barrels and air intakes. Each kit includes a link to download a free file for self-printing, and during the promotional pre-order you can also buy ready-made resin prints with the model kit – check out this opportunity!

Promotional Ki-43 Hayabusa 1/72 kit pre-order!

Arma Hobby’s 1/72 scale Ki-43 Hayabusa model kit is almost ready, and you can now order it on a pre-order promotion with extra sprues (so-called overtrees), 3D printed details and other options – check out what we have prepared for this pre-order in the Armahobby online shop!

This post is also available in: polski