Developed prior to the Pacific War, the Ki-44 was a real departure in fighters for the IJAAF. It was their first interceptor. Build for speed and the ability to reach altitude in the shortest time possible, the 'Shoki' had the highest wing loading of any Japanese military aircraft built to date. Originally intended only for class A pilots with over 1,000 hours in the air, it was eventually flown by lower qualified pilots without any major problems.

Of course, it had many detractors when it first entered service. It was not maneuverable, but it had plenty of power and could dive with the best Allied fighter. Probably one of the first Japanese aircraft that fought well in the vertical, something that is now common with fighters. Those that realized that 'hit and run' tactics were the best for this plane did well. Those that stuck with dog fighting found out that they were at a major disadvantage.

The aircraft had several innovations. For one it carried wing armament in the form of 12.7mm guns when the normal armament was just two 7.7mm guns in the nose. It also had fowler type flaps for improved take-off and landing characteristics. These could also be used as 'combat flaps' to help improve the aircraft's turning. Unusual in fighters, the flap controls were two buttons on the top of the control stick while the gun trigger was attached to the throttle control. Later versions had 40mm wing guns with unique ammunition that had no ejectable shell casing. Perforations in the back of the shell added additional force to the shell and obviated the need for a separate case.

The first combat missions for the Ki-44 were in early January 1942 when pre-production aircraft were sent to the Burma theater where they fought the British and the AVG. Yet it was not until mid 1943, after the type had been in unit service for over a year that it was identified by Allies as being a new type. Most of the operational use of the Ki-44 was in China, Manchuria, and over the home islands where it was one of the few planes that could reach B-29s. However, its performance at that altitude was lacking and the high wing loading made maneuvering tricky. The Ki-44 was used quite a bit in ramming attacks and its 40mm cannon were devastating if it hit the bomber.

Author Nicholas Millman has scoured archives to come up with information on the operational use of the Ki-44 and thanks to his work and that of others, we now have a clear picture of the use of the 'Tojo' by IJAAF forces and the men who flew them. Those who took advantage of the aircraft's strengths were quite successful, including several B-29 aces and some who used the Ki-44 to amass a rather large victory score.

In addition to the history of the plane and the stories of the pilots who flew it, there are a number of excellent period photos of the men and planes. This includes the usual full color profiles that we have come to expect from Osprey. Unlike other IJAAF aircraft of the Pacific war, not one example of the Ki-44 exists today.

Overall, it is a superb read and an excellent reference. You really cannot go wrong with this or any other book in the series.

October 2011

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