Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa/Oscar
By Matt Bittner
Warpaint Series 147
Author: Daniel Kowalczuk
Publisher: Guideline Publications
ISBN: 978-1916759251
Binding: Softcover
Pages: 48
The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (or "Oscar" to the US allies) was by far the workhorse Japanese aircraft of the second world war, being built in greater numbers, and being flown by more Japanese (and other nationality) pilots than even the Zero. It was also used by more other nationalities than any other Japanese aircraft of that era.
This latest Warpaint from Guideline Publications starts with brief beginnings and pre-production, then goes right into all the production - and experimental - Hayabusa's and the difference for each type.
Next inside the book is a discusssion of the IJAAF's organization, order of battle and pilot training, etc. Then the book launches into all the known adversaires of the Oscar being not just the aircraft type it sparred with, but also the nation those aircraft belong to. Also discussed are the Special Attack Units, or the suicide attack squadrons.
The final prose section deals with all the other nations that flew the Ki-43, such as Siam/Thailand, Manchukuo Imperial Air Force, etc., plus the captured examples. Finally the book ends with a color photograph section of the survivors and replicas.
Complementing the written text are lots of photos covering the lifespan of the Ki-43. Further adding to that are the color profile illustrations, which also bring to attention the colorful camouflage schemes and interesting markings. Rounding out the content are some scale drawings typical in the Warpaint series.
My thanks to Guideline Publications for the review copy. Visit the Warpaint Books website to order this and other titles in the series.