Rising Decals RD48038: Ki-43 over New Guinea and the Solomons Part 1

The Ki-43 could easily be considered the IJAAF's 'Zero' as the two aircraft has much in common. Both were light weight, both were the service's first monoplane fighter with retractable landing gear, and both were quite maneuverable. The A6M had greater range and heavier armament, while the Ki-43 was faster and had better mid to low altitude handling. Both had insufficient armor protection.

This sheet is one of three covering units operating in New Guinea and the Solomons, a time when the IJAAF still had a cadre of experienced and well trained pilots.

The first of five options is a late production Ki-43-II from the 248th Sentai based at Alexishafen in New Guinea during 1943 in the green upper with unpainted metal lower surfaces.

Next is a Ki-43-II mid production plane from the 59th Sentai based But, New Guinea in October 1943. It is in unpainted metal with light mottling. Note that all Ki-43s have a black anti-glare panel. You are provided optional black fuselage markings for this one.

Third is another late production Ki-43-II, this time with the 13th Sentai. This one has an unusual scheme of a heavy green base with dark green mottling. It was based at Biak, New Guinea in early 1944

Fourth is an overall green Ki-43-II mid production plane with unpainted metal undersides. It is with the 24th Sentai, also based at But, New Guinea in mid 1943.

Finally, a Hollandia based Ki-43-II late production plane with the 77th Sentai in April 1944. It has a somewhat similar scheme to the 13th Sentai plane.

While the instructions don't provide an upper surface image of the mottled aircraft, one can assume that this area is similar to the fuselage.

Decals are nicely printed and as you can see, Rising has provided separate sheets for insignia and the unique markings. This is a smart way to do this that is done by some other decal makers.

These sheets often sell out quite quickly and I've not known Rising to reissue any so if you want them, get them when they are new. For kits, you have both Hasegawa and Fine Molds along with the LS/Arii version.

July 2025

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