WOW460 Nakajima Helen

Description

The Ki-49 was designed to replace the Mitsubishi Ki-21 Sally, which entered service with the Japanese air force in 1938. Learning from service trials of the Ki-21, the Army realized that however advanced it may have been at its introduction, its new Mitsubishi bomber would in due course be unable to operate without fighter escorts. The Japanese Army stipulated that its replacement should have the speed and defensive weaponry to enable it to operate independently.

The prototype first flew in August 1939 and the development programme continued through three prototypes and seven pre-production aircraft. Seven more prototypes were built and completed the aircraft’s test program. Eventually, in March 1941 the Donryu went into production as the Army Type 100 Heavy Bomber Model 1.

Becoming operational in Autumn 1941, the Ki-49 first saw service in China. After the outbreak of the Pacific War, it was also active in the New Guinea region and in raids on Australia. Like the prototype, these early versions were armed with five 7.7 mm (0.303 in) machine guns and one 20 mm (0.787 in) cannon. Combat experience in China and New Guinea showed the Donryu to be underpowered, with bomb capacity and speed suffering as a result. Thus, in the spring of 1942 an up-engined version was produced, fitted with more powerful Ha-109 engines and this became the production Army Type 100 Heavy Bomber Model 2 or Ki-49-IIa. The Model 2 also introduced improved armour and self-sealing fuel tanks and was followed by the Ki-49-IIb with improved armament.

Despite these improvements, losses continued, as the quantity and quality of fighter opposition rose.

In the face of its increasing vulnerability to opposing fighter aircraft while performing its intended role, the Ki-49 was used in other roles towards the end of the Pacific War, including anti-submarine warfare patrols, troop transport and as a Kamikaze.

After 819 aircraft had been completed, production ended in December 1944

We have five Ki-49 1/30 scale models available priced at $1200 plus postage. The camouflage pattern on this model was definitely a labour of love and not likely to be repeated by the factory – I can still hear them swearing under their breath as they beavered away! This model measures 64cm wide and is 53cm long, so quite a large bird for your collection. 

The figures and accessories are shown for scale comparison purposes only and are not included.