The Ki-43 is to the Japanese Army what the A6M was to the Japanese Navy during WWII. It was the first modern, low winged, retractable landing gear fighter of either service. Both were designed with maneuverability as the major factor in their design. The result was that the aircraft were lacking in other areas that were considered just as important to other powers. They did not have adequate armor protection, and the Ki-43 had rather weak armament of twin 12.7mm machine guns, even compared to the A6M which also had two 20mm cannon. The Ki-43 also had very good range, but this was a result of the lightweight airframe construction and lack of heavy things like armor plating and self-sealing fuel tanks.

Initially the Army did not like the Ki-43 as it was not as maneuverable as the lighter and smaller fixed undercarriage Ki-27. However, it did have much superior range and the war in China required a longer ranged fighter. Despite not being considered maneuverable enough, Allied pilots who attempted to dogfight with the Ki-43 soon found themselves in trouble. Fortunately, the lack of heavy armament of the Oscar often saved the foolish Allied pilots. Despite the known shortcomings of the Ki-43, the type was continually modified and produced even after the type was obsolescent. Many were expended in suicide attacks near the end of the war.

I bought this kit because Dead Design had sent me a number of mask sets designed for it. I've bought other Arma Hobby kits and have been pleased by what I've seen in the box. This one is no exception. The detailing is quite good and unlike some much earlier Ki-43 kits, this one has a well appointed interior. There is no tub as like the real deal, the cockpit floor is the top of the wing. There are sidewall details along with quite a few controls on the 'floor'. The seat is also well done and attaches to the frame at the back of the cockpit. Decals are provided for the instrument panel and you are given two gun sight options.

With those done, the fuselage halves are joined and the instrument panel installed. The kit offers the option of building either the Ko or Otsu version with their differing exhaust outlets and area behind the exhaust. The two row radial includes pushrods for the front cylinders. The engine cowling itself is five parts so care will be needed to ensure a good fit. I'm not sure why this couldn't be molded as a single part, but there it is. landing gear are well done as is the prop.

Back during wing assembly, one had to make a choice between early, late, or no drop tanks in order to open or not open the proper holes in the lower wing. Two different styles of wing pylon are included. One must also twist the anti-sway bars into position for the tanks. The kit provides a separate canopy and windscreen so you can pose the canopy open if you so wish. A nice addition is a set of kabuki tape canopy and wheel masks.

Instructions are very well done showing details, where to apply glue to some parts, and some helpful hints and suggestions during the build. Three markings options are provided. One is the box art plane, a later version in Nakajima green upper and unpainted metal undersides from 59 Sentai. Second is an early plane in overall unpainted metal with heavy mottling on the upper wing/tailplane surfaces and the cowling with very light mottling elsewhere. This one is from the 54th Sentai. For this option, the tailplanes need to be left off until after decalling due to the tail marking. Finally an overall bare metal plane from the 71st Sentai. This and the previous plane have a black anti-glare panel. The wing ID markings are provided on the well done decal sheet and the instructions offer guidance on their application.