AN UNDAMAGED WING centre-section and assorted outer-wing components from a Nakajima Ki-44-II Tojo recently went on display in the Aviation Hall of the People's Republic of China, at the Northwestern Polytechnic University in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. It is the first time any parts of the type, Japan's only operational interceptor of the Second World War, have been seen for more than 60 years, reports Joe Picarella. The structure still retains many of the primary systems, including the main undercarriage mechanisms and Nakajima's innovative "butterfly flap" assemblies, which were an essential adjunct to the aircraft's diminutive wing area in combat. Photographs of the exhibit allow unprecedented glimpses into the construction of the aircraft, which was conceived as an experimental heavy-interceptor project during the
Imperial Japanese Army Air Force strategic review of 1938. Named Shoki (Demon Queller), after the mythical Chinese figure who was believed to have vanquished thousands of demons, the Ki-44 was accepted into service during September 1942. A total of 1,225 were delivered to more than a dozen Sentai, which acquitted themselves well against the Boeing B-29s that soon plagued Japan's skies.
Download from (depositfiles.com) or (filesonic.com)
