Warplanes of Japan: Captured aircraft examined by Allied Technical Air Intelligence Units (ATAIU), South West Pacific Area (SWPA)

Air Technical Intelligence examination of Imperial Japanese Army Air Service and Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service Warplanes of the Second World War

(RAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu fighter/ground attack aircraft, codenamed "Nick" by the Allies, of the 71st Dokuritsu Hiko Chutai being examined by an RAF Officer.  This was one of a number of aircraft abandoned at Kallang Airport, Singapore, Sep 1945.

During and after the Second World War British Commonwealth, American and French forces engaged in air technical intelligence (ATI) collection and evaluation of captured Japanese aircraft. Allied ATI units were established at Calcutta in India in 1943 and at Saigon in French Indo-China in 1945.  The Calcutta unit collected and examined a number of badly damaged aircraft.  A few relatively complete aircraft were acquired, including examples of the Mitsubishi Ki-21-Ia (Army Type 97 Heavy Bomber Model 1A), codename “Sally”, Nakajima Ki-43-1A (Army Type 1 Fighter Model 1A Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon)), codename “Oscar”, Mitsubishi Ki-46-III (Army Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Plane Model 1), codename “Dinah”, and Kawasaki Ki-48 (Army Type 99 Twin-engine Light Bomber Model 1A), codename “Lily.”  After the end of the war, collection continued and flyable examples of the Nakajima Ki-44-1a (Army Type 2 single-seat Fighter Model 1A Shoki), codename “Tojo”, the Mitsubishi J2M3  Interceptor Fighter Raiden (Thunderbolt) Model 11), codename “Jack”, the Mitsubishi G4M3 (Navy Type 1 Attack Bomber Model 11), codename “Betty”, and the Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke” were obtained and flown.  The Saigon unit obtained a number of flyable aircraft that were on surrendered Japanese airfields in French Indo-China.  Many of the aircraft collected ended up as museum pieces.

(IJNAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 22 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, coded UI-105, flown by Japanese air ace Lieutenant Junior Grade Hiroyoshi Nishizawa from the 251st Kokutai over the Solomon Islands 7 May 1943.  The unit's aircraft have been hastily sprayed with dark green camouflage paint on the upper surfaces.  Nishizawa is credited with 87 aerial victories (36 shot down, 2 damaged and 49 shared damaged), although he personally claimed to have had 102 aerial victories at the time of his death.  He was lost as a passenger on a Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu (Helen) transport aircraft flying from Mabalacat on Pampanga on the morning of 26 Oct 1944 while being flown to ferry replacement Zeros from Clark Field on Luzon.  The Ki-49 transport was attacked by two Grumman F6F Hellcats of VF-14 squadron from the fleet carrier USS Wasp and was shot down in flames.  Nishizawa died as a passenger, probably the victim of Lt. j.g. Harold P. Newell, who was credited with a "Helen" northeast of Mindoro that morning.

Japanese War Prizes in England

Several impressive Japanese aircraft are displayed at the Aerospace Museum at RAF Cosford in the UK.  The museum’s collection of Japanese aircraft comprises the only remaining Japanese aircraft transported to the UK after the Second World War.  At the end of the war, towards the end of 1945 a number of aircraft made up of Japanese Naval and Japanese Air force planes surrendered at Tebrau, a Japanese wartime airstrip in Malaysia.  The planes were flown by Japanese air-crews.  The British applied nationality markings and the acronym Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit - South East Asia (ATAIU-SEA).

(RAF Photo)

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, coded BI-I2, in flight with Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit - South East Asia (ATAIU-SEA) markings.  BI-12 was tested at Tebrau Air Base, Malaya, in 1946.  Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, coded BI-05 and another coded BI-06 were tested at Tebrau Air Base, Malaya, in 1946.

Primarily an RAF unit, ATAIU-SEA was formed during 1943 at Maidan, India, operating as a combined RAF/USAAF unit before the USAAF personnel were transferred to the United States.  By early 1946 ATAIU-SEA in Singapore had collected 64 Japanese Army and Navy aircraft, most in flyable condition, for shipment to the UK. However, lack of shipping space prevented this operation and only four eventually arrived in England to be put in display in museums.  The unit was disbanded at Seletar, Singapore on 15 May 1946.  (RAF Photo)

(Mark Harkin Photo)

Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 22 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke” cockpit in the RAF Museum, Duxford, England, still carrying its ATAIU-SEA markings.

(Tony Hisgett Photo)

Mitsubishi Ki-46-III Army Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Plane (C/N 5439), 8484M, of the 81st Sentai, 3rd Chutai IJAAF, codenamed "Dinah", at RAF Cosford, England.  In 1944-45, during the last days of the war, it was modified as a high altitude interceptor, with two 20-mm cannons in the nose and one 37-mm cannon in an "upwards-and-forwards" firing position.   It was stationed at tested at Tebrau Air Base in British Malaya, before its shipment to England in 1946.  5439 is now on display at RAF Cosford, England.

(Paul Richter Photo)

(Aldo Bidini Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-100, RAF Museum Cosford, England.

(Fairlight Photo)

(Megapixie Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-100, RAF Museum Cosford, England.

At the end of the Second World War, 64 Japanese aircraft were selected for shipment to the UK, but due to limited shipping space only 4 made it to the UK.  These four aircraft included a Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter) codename “Zeke”, (the cockpit is now in the IWM), a Mitsubishi Ki-46-III (Army Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Plane Model 1), codename “Dinah”, 5439, a Kawasaki Ki-100-1a (Army Type 5 Fighter Model 1A), and a Kyushu K9W1 (Navy Type 2 Primary Trainer Momiji), codename “Cypress” (scrapped after accidental fire damage).  The Ki-46 and Ki-100 are today on display at the AMC.  The aircraft were sent via ship to No 47 MU, Sealand, for crating and storage, in February 1947.  In November 1985 they were transferred to RAF museum reserve collection RAF St Athan, before being moved to RAF Cosford in June 1989.  These aircraft were: Kawasaki Ki-100-1b (Army Type 5 Fighter Model 1A) (Serial No. 8476M); Yokosuka MXY7 Ohka Model 11 (Tail Number I-13); Mitsubishi Ki-46-III (Army Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Plane Model 1), codename “Dinah”  (Serial No. 5439); a Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, and a Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke” (Manufacture Number 3685), Tail Number Y2-176).  (Source: Steve Dodd, Cosford museum member)

Japanese Warplanes with RAF ATAIU-SEA markings

(RAF Photo)

Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke” in flight, RAF, Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit, South East Asia.  'B1-12' is shown here bing operated by ATAIU-SEA at Tebrau, Malaya in 1946.  Once thought to be applied by the British the tail number is now known to be IJN original  and identifies IJN Air Group 381.  A second Zeke marked 'B1-01' was a  former 381 Ku Raiden in ATAIU-SEA ownership at Tebrau, Malaya.

(RAF Photo)

Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke” (Serial No. 1303), RAF, TAIC II, metal finish.  This aircraft was captured on Saipan.  The legend 'AI 2G . . .' appears beneath the 'Technical Air Intelligence Center' beneath the cockpit.  This was the Air Ministry section responsible for German and Japanese air intelligence.  This aircraft was scheduled for delivery to ATAIU-SEA in India but it was eventually sent to the USA.

(RAF Photos)

Mitsubishi G4M2 bomber, F1-11, codenamed "Betty", RAF, Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit, South East Asia ATAIU-SEA).

(RAF Photos)

Mitsubishi J2M Raidens, codenamed Jack, originally from 381st Kokutai.  Captured at Malaya, BI-0I and BI-02 were tested at Tebrau Air Base in British Malaya in 1946.  These aircraft were flown and evaluated by Japanese naval aviators under close supervision of RAF officers from Seletar Airfield in December 1945.  RAF, Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit, South East Asia (ATAIU - SEA).

Captured Japanese Warplanes flown by the TAIU-SWPA in Australia

(RAAF Photo)

Mitsubishi A6M3 Model 32 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”.  This aircraft was rebuilt and test flown by the Technical Air Intelligence Unit (TAIU) at Eagle Farm, Brisbane, Australia, using parts of five different aircraft captured at Buna, New Guinea.  The completed aircraft was test flown in mock combat against a Supermarine Spitfire Mk. V.  It was concluded that the “Zeke” was superior to the Spitfire below 20,000 feet.  In late 1943 the “Zeke” was shipped to the United States aboard the escort carrier USS Copahee.  It went to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, where it was flown and evaluated.

Other Japanese aircraft acquired by the TAIU in Australia included two Nakajima Ki-43-1A (Army Type 1 Fighter Model 1A Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon)), codename “Oscar”, and a Kawasaki Ki-61-II (Army Type 3 Fighter Model 1 Hien (Swallow)), codename “Tony”.  The “Oscars” were test flown in Australia in March and April 1944, and the “Tony” was shipped to NAS Anacostia later in 1944.

In June 1944 the US Navy personnel at the TAIU in Australia were transferred to NAS Anacostia and became the cadre for an expanded Technical Air Intelligence Center.  Collection of Japanese aircraft continued in 1943, 1944, and 1945, for analysis by the US Navy and the USAAF.  TAIUs operated in Southeast Asia, the Philippines, China, and, after the end of hostilities, in Japan.  Personnel of the Royal Australian Air Force participated, as they had earlier in the war.

(USAAF Photo)

Mitsubishi G4M2 bomber, codenamed "Betty", found at the end of the war.

Captured Japanese airfields, particularly in the Philippines, were especially fruitful.  Many of the aircraft were shipped to the United Stated by escort carriers.  Their destinations were usually NAS Anacostia, Wright Field, or Freeman Field, Indiana.

(USAAF Photo)

Nakajima Ki-44-1a (Army Type 2 single-seat Fighter Model 1A Shoki), (Serial No. 2068), codenamed “Tojo”, in the Philippines in TAIU-SWPA S11, USAAF markings.  It is shown here being tested by TAIU-SWPA at Clark Field in the Philippines in 1945 in natural metal finish with pre-war rudder stripes.  The uncoded serial number of this aircraft was 1068 and it was manufactured in July 1944.

Japanese aircraft acquired during those years included examples of the Mitsubishi A6M7 Model 63 Zero-Sen, (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codenamed “Zeke”, Kawasaki Ki-61-II (Army Type 3 Fighter Model 1 Hien (Swallow)), codenamed “Tony”, Nakajima Ki-44-1a (Army Type 2 single-seat Fighter Model 1A Shoki), codename “Tojo”, Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai Model 21 Navy Interceptor Fighter Shaiden KAI, codenamed “George”, Nakajima Ki-84-Ia (Army Type 4 Fighter Model 1A Hayate (Gale)), codenamed “Frank”, Mitsubishi J2M3 (Navy Interceptor Fighter Raiden (Thunderbolt) Model 11), codenamed “Jack”, and Kawasaki Ki-45 (Army Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter Model A Toryu (Dragon Slayer)), codenamed “Nick” fighters; the Nakajima B5N2 (Navy Type 97 Carrier Attack Bomber Model 1), codenamed “Kate”, Nakajima B6N2 (Navy Carrier Attack Bomber Tenzan (Heavenly Cloud)) Model 11), codenamed “Jill”, Yokosuka D4Y1 (Navy Type 2 Carrier Reconnaissance Plane Model 11 Susei (Comet)), codenamed “Judy”, and Mitsubishi G4M3 (Navy Type 1 Attack Bomber Model 11), codenamed “Betty” bombers; the Douglas DC-3 L2D2/5, codenamed “Tabby” transport, and the Mitsubishi Ki-46-III (Army Type 100 Command Reconnaissance Plane Model 1), codenamed “Dinah” reconnaissance aircraft.  Some underwent flight evaluation.

After the conclusion of the Pacific War, most surviving Japanese aircraft were destroyed where they lay, usually by burning.  Those machines in more isolated areas were simply left to rot, often stripped of useful components by the indigenous population.   Some examples were shipped to Allied nations (primarily Australia, England and the United States) for technical study, but by the 1950s most of these had been sold for scrap.   With the rise of interest in aviation history during the 1970s, the surviving examples of Japanese Navy Air Force (JNAF) and Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) aircraft were often repaired, restored, and placed on public display.  A few additional examples were recovered from former war zones and, in a few cases, renovated to high standards.  There are doubtless many more still corroding in jungle areas or under the sea which may one day be recovered and restored.[1]

“The Japanese Army and Navy forces as organizations were progressively demobilized and disbanded as soon as practical after their surrender in August 1945.  This short three-part article outlines the corresponding fate of their aircraft, a story beginning with the formation of Technical Air Intelligence Units (TAIUs) during 1943.”

“As in Europe, the Allies in the Pacific theatre were also keen to learn as much as possible about their opponents’ equipment. With Americans having the major involvement there, it was appropriate that they predominated in all such evaluation, particularly in respect of captured aircraft. It was agreed in this regard that the US Navy would lead a technical air intelligence joint organization which included USAAF, RAF and RN representatives.”

“Thereafter, the first TAIU was set up as a joint USAAF/USN/RAAF organization in Australia in early 1943.  This particular unit absorbed a small team from the Directorate of Intelligence, HQ Allied Forces, who were developing the Code Name system for Japanese aircraft they had started in 1942.  A second, known as the Allied TAIU for South East Asia (ATAIU-SEA), followed in Calcutta in late 1943 as a joint RAF/USAAF Allied unit.  Then, in mid 1944, the USN personnel from the TAIU in Australia were withdrawn to NAS Anacostia, near Washington DC, to become the TAIC (Technical Air Intelligence Centre), whose purpose was to centralise and co-ordinate work of test centres in the United States with work of TAIUs in the field.”

“The operation in Australia was reformed to function thereafter as TAIU for the South West Pacific Area (TAIU-SWPA) and eventually moved to the Philippines in early 1945.  Two other operations were also set up, TAIU for the Pacific Ocean Area (TAIU-POA) as a USN unit to trawl the various Pacific Islands for aircraft and TAIU for China (TAIU-CHINA) under control of Chiang Kai Shek’s Nationalists.”

“Aircraft test flown by the TAIUs before cessation of hostilities in August 1945:

TAIU (Australia) - approximately 5; TAIU-SWPA (Philippines) - over 20; ATAIU-SEA – None; TAIU- POA - None, but 14 sent to TAIC; TAIU-CHINA – 1; and, TAIC - at least 11.”

“When war ended the Allies felt it necessary to assess the state of technological development still remaining intact in Japan.  Although work of other TAIUs ended speedily, that of ATAIU-SEA and TAIU-SWPA continued to gather selected material for further evaluation; in order to do this the former moved to Singapore, with a flying unit at Tebrau in Malaya, and the latter to Japan itself.”

(USAAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M5 Model 52 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, painted in green cross surrender markings.

“There were two periods of so-called green cross flights by Japanese aircraft after capitulation.  The first lasted from about 19th August to 12th September 1945, covering flights of surrender delegations and flights of surrendering aircraft to assembly points.  The second period lasted from 15th September to 10th October 1945, covering general communications and taking surrender details to outlying forces. The longest survivors of these operations were probably those few that found their way into the Gremlin Task Force (see Part 3); the rest were destroyed.”

“By early 1946 ATAIU-SEA in Singapore had gathered some 64 Army and Navy aircraft, most in flyable condition, for shipment to the UK for further evaluation.  An unknown number of these aircraft were actually test flown at Tebrau. Lack of shipping space prevented this shipment and only four eventually arrived in England for Museum purposes.  In any event, funds for testing captured war material were by then severely restricted and most such work already stopped.”

“By the end of 1945 TAIU-SWPA teams had scoured the Japanese mainland and other territories to gather together in Yokohama Naval Base four examples of every Japanese aircraft type never previously tested by the Allies; one of each was to be for the USAAF, USN, RAF and Museum purposes.”

“In the event, those for the RAF have not been accounted for and of the remainder some 115 arrived in America during December 1945, 73 to Army bases and 42 to Naval bases.  Once again funds and interest for further testing were drying up rapidly and only six of the aircraft were actually flown there, four by the Army and two by the Navy.  Out of the 115 total, plus 11 TAIC aircraft already there, 46 are in US Museums, about two thirds of the remainder were scrapped and the rest are probably still corroding away somewhere out of sight.”[1]

[1] Data from an article by Peter Starkings, originally published in JAS Jottings, 1/3, 1995.

USN and USAAF Air Technical Intelligence Units in the Pacific Theatre

The US Navy was also engaged in ATI in the Pacific Theatre[1].  A joint ATI group with members from the US Navy, US Army Air Forces, Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF), and Royal Navy was formed in Australia in 1942.  Later, some US Navy personnel of the group were withdrawn to the United States where they formed a Technical Air Intelligence Unit (TAIU) at Naval Air Station Anacostia, near Washington, DC.  The Anacostia TAIU was supported by other Navy air stations such as those at North Island, San Diego, California, and Patuxent River, Maryland.

(USAAF Photo)

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke” coded V-173, shown where it crash-landed on a beach en route from Taiwan to Saigon in 26 November 1941.  This aircraft was removed by the Chinese forces and hidden until it could be assessed by Allied Intelligence, becoming USAAF EB-2, later EB-200.

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, captured, restored and parked on an airfield in China.   On 26 November 1941, this A6M2, (Serial No. 3372), coded V-173 of the Tainan Naval Air Corps force landed near Teitsan airfield.  It was made airworthy at Kinming by American engineers and flown in Chinese markings with the number P-5016.   Coded EB-2, this aircraft eventually made its way to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, in July 1943, and was renumbered EB-200.  (USAAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, captured, restored and parked on an airfield in China.   On 26 November 1941, this A6M2, (Serial No. 3372), coded V-173 of the Tainan Naval Air Corps force landed near Teitsan airfield.  It was made airworthy at Kinming by American engineers and flown in Chinese markings with the number P-5016.   Coded EB-2, this aircraft eventually made its way to Wright Field, Dayton, Ohio, in July 1943, and was renumbered EB-200.  (USAAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”.  (IJNAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M2 “Zeke” (Serial No. 4593), Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 21, coded DI-108, as discovered at its crash site on Akutan Island, Alaska by USAAF forces.  On 3 June 1942, Flight Petty Officer Tadayoshi Koga left the flight deck of the IJN Carrier Ryujo in his Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 21 fighter as part of a task force assigned to attack Dutch Harbor in the Aleutian Islands.  His A6M2, which had been built in February, was on its first operational mission.  On his way back to the Ryujo, Koga found that two bullets had punctured his fuel supply and he informed his flight commander that he intended to land on Akutan Island, designated as an emergency landing field.  Koga did not make the landing field and instead made a forced landing in a marsh.  The aircraft flipped over, breaking the pilot’s neck and killing him.  Five weeks later, a US Navy Consolidated PBY Catalina, making a routine patrol, discovered the Japanese fighter upside down in the marsh.  (USAAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 22 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, coded DI-108, being recovered from its crash site on Akutan Island, Alaska by USAAF forces.  This aircraft was designated TAIC 1.  (USAAF Photos)

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 22 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, coded DI-108, (Serial No. 4593), Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 21, coded DI-108, designated TAIC 1.  North Island NAS, fall 1944, after the plane was flown back to California from Anacostia NAS, and used as a training tool by the ComFAirWest training operation flying against squadrons headed west.  It was damaged at NAS North Island on 10 Feb 1945.  (USAAF Photos)

This single-seat fighter was probably one of the greatest prizes of the Pacific war.  Hardly damaged, it was recovered by US Navy personnel and shipped to Naval Air Station (NAS) North Island, California, where it was repaired and exhaustively tested.  It was first flown at North Island in September 1942.  Over the next several months it made mock combat flights against US Navy Grumman F-4F Wildcat and Vought F4U Corsair aircraft and USAAF Lockheed P-38 Lightning, Bell P-39 Airacobra, Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, and North American P-51 Mustang aircraft.  The pilots of the USAAF aircraft were from the Proving Ground at Eglin Field, Florida.  Information gathered during testing of the A6M2 prompted the American aircraft manufacturer Grumman, to lighten the Grumman F4F Wildcat and to install a larger engine on the Grumman F6F Hellcat.[3]

Mitsubishi A6M2 Model 22 Zero-Sen (Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter), codename “Zeke”, coded DI-108, (Serial No. 4593), Navy Type 0 Carrier Fighter Model 21, coded DI-108.   Koga's A6M2 Zero-Sen went to Anacostia, where it was restored and flown by the USN.  Koga’s crashed aircraft, while resurrected temporarily, did not in fact survive the war.  Following its tests by the Navy in San Diego, the Zero was transferred from Naval Air Station North Island to Anacostia Naval Air Station in 1943 (becoming TAIC 1).  In 1944, it was recalled to North Island for use as a training plane for rookie pilots being sent to the Pacific.  As a training aircraft, the Akutan Zero was destroyed during an accident in February 1945 at North Island.  While the Zero was taxiing for a takeoff, a Curtiss SB2C Helldiver lost control and rammed into it.  The Helldiver’s propeller sliced the Zero into pieces.  Only small bits (instruments) still exist in museums in Washington and Alaska.   (USN Photos)

[1] Data from an article by Peter Starkings, originally published in JAS Jottings, 1/3, 1995.

[2] Phil Butler, War Prizes, p. 165.

[3] Internet: http://www.aviation-history.com/mitsubishi/zero.html.

Japanese Warplanes of the Second World War examined by the USAAF and US Navy

(USAAF Photos)

Aichi B7A2 Ryusei, codenamed "Grace", (Serial No. 816) captured by the US and test flown in 1946 by the US air intelligence unit ATAIU-SEA.  Shipped to the USA it is shown here in USN markings, No. 52, USAAF FE-1204, currently in storage in the Paul E. Garber facility, Suitland, Maryland.  Aichi B7A2, USAAF FE-1206 was scrapped at Middletown, Pennsylvania.  

(USN Photos)

Aichi E16A Zuiun (Auspicious Cloud), two-seat Naval reconnaissance floatplane operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy, Allied reporting name "Paul", shown here in USN markings.  There do not appear to be TAIC or FE numbers alloctated for this aircraft.

Aichi M6A1 Seiran (Clear Sky Storm or Mist on a Fair Day) being examined by USN sailors at Nagoya, Japan, Sep 1945.  (USN Photo)

Aichi M6A1 Seiran (Clear Sky Storm or Mist on a Fair Day) on display in the Paul E. Garber facility, Suitland, Maryland before being moved to the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  (Author Photos)

Aichi M6A1 Seiran (Clear Sky Storm or Mist on a Fair Day) on display in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.  (Eric Salard Photo)

The Aichi M6A Seiran (Clear Sky Storm or Mist on a Fair Day) was a submarine-launched attack floatplane.  It was intended to operate from I-400 class submarines whose original mission was to conduct aerial attacks against the United States.  A single M6A1 has been preserved and resides in the Udvar-Hazy Center of the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum.  It is located in the Washington, DC suburb of Chantilly, Virginia near Dulles International Airport.  The Seiran was surrendered to an American occupation contingent by Lt Kazuo Akatsuka of the Imperial Japanese Navy, who ferried it from Fukuyama to Yokosuka.  The US Navy donated it to the Smithsonian Institution in November 1962.  Restoration work on the Seiran began in June 1989 and was completed in February 2000.  There does not appear to be an FE or T2 number for this aircraft.

(USAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu Army Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter (code name Nick) captured at Cape Glouster, New Britain in 1944.

 (USAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu Army Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter (code name Nick) captured by US forces being prepared for flight testing at Clark Field in the Philippines.  This aircraft is possibly (Serial No. 3303), TAIC-SWPA S14, designated USAAF FE-325 and later T2-325, which was scrapped at Freeman Field in 1946.

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu Army Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter (Serial No. 3303), codenamed "Nick",TAIC-SWPA S14.  This aircraft was captured at Fujigaya and later shipped to the USA.  It was designated USAAF FE-325 and later T2-325.  This aircraft was test flown at Freeman Field, Ohio until it was scrapped in 1946.  (USAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu Army Type 2 Two-Seat Fighter (Serial No. 3303), codenamed "Nick", USAAF FE-325 and later T2-325.  This aircraft was test flown at Freeman Field, Ohio until it was scrapped in 1946.  (USAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu (Serial No. 4268), codenamed Nick, shipped to the USA and shown here at Middletown Air Depot in 1946.  Designated USAAF FE-701, the fuselage of this aircraft is now on display in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre, Chantilly, Virginia.  (USAAF Photo)

‍

(Steven Duhig Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-45 KAIc Toryu (Serial No. 4268), USAAF FE-701, fuselage on display in the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Centre, Chantilly, Virginia.  This is the only surviving Ki-45 KAIc.  It was one of about 145 Japanese aircraft brought to the United States aboard the carrier USS Barnes for evaluation after the end of the Second World War.  It underwent overhaul at Middletown Air Depot, Pennsylvania, and was test-flown at Wright Field, Ohio, and Naval Air Station Anacostia in Washington, D.C.  The United States Army Air Forces donated the Toryu to the Smithsonian Institution in June 1946.  Only the fuselage is currently on display at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center, alongside the Nakajima J1N and Aichi M6A.

(USAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-48 Army Type 99 Twin-engined Light Bomber, codename "Lily" captured by US forces.  This is possibly one of two Ki-48 shipped to the USA.  USAAF FE-1202 scrapped at Middletown or FE-1205, which was scrapped at Park Ridge, ca. 1950.

(USAAF Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien Army Type 3 Fighter captured with flight test markings.

Kawasaki Ki-61-1-Tei Hien Army Type 3 Fighter, captured and flown by USMC VMF 322 at Okinawa in May 1945.  This aircraft is painted in a very colourful finish of dark blue and white with the USMC emblem in red on the vertical fin.  The rudder and fin are painted in red.  (USMC Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-61-1a Ko Hien Army Type 3 Fighter  (Serial No. 263), codenamed Tony.  This aircraft was originally seizou bangou 263 captured at Cape Gloucester and test flown as 'XJ 003'at Eagle Farm, Brisbane, Australia and designated TAIC 9, before being shipped to the USA.  Although seizou bangou (?) is often referred to as a 'serial number' the term means, literally, 'manufacturer production series number' and as stencilled on the airframe was coded by one of three known methods to provide a level of deception about how many aircraft had been produced. This aircraft was shipped to the TAIU at Anacostia in the USA.  Of the three Ki-61s brought to the USA in 1945, USAAF FE-313 and FE-316 were scrapped at park Ridge ca. 1950, and TAIC 9 crashed at  Yanceyville, North Carolina on 2 July 1945.  (USAAF Photos)

Kawasaki Ki-61-1a Hien Army Type 3 Fighter  (Serial No. 263) assigned USAAF code number XJ003 and TAIC 9, test flown in the USA post war.  (USAAF Photos)

(USAAF Photos)

Kawasaki Ki-61-1a Hien Army Type 3 Fighter  (Serial No. 2210), This aircraft was the last remaining Tony in Japan and was put on display at Yakota Air Base, which is still a functioning USAF base today.  It was initially set up on the base in Japanese markings after being captured at Yakota at the end of the war.  Sometime in 1947, it was deemed offensive to American personnel and repainted in bogus USAF markings (with the new red bar used in USAF flashes after 1 January 1947).  Apparently it was easier to mark them as American at that time than to dispose of them.  In 1953, the Tony was returned to the Japanese people through civilian representatives of the Japan Aeronautic Association (Nippon Kohkuh Kyohkai).  They moved it to Hibiya Park in Tokyo near the Imperial Palace for display.

(USAAF Photos)

Kawasaki Ki-102b "Randy".  This aircraft has the number 106, which may refer to the loading number for the aircraft carrier that brought it, as one of three Ki-102b which were shipped to the USA.  Ki-102b USAAF FE-308 was scrapped at park Ridge ca. 1950; Ki-102B FE-309 was scrapped at Middletown in 1946, and Ki-102b FE-310 was scrapped at Newark in 1946.

 (USAAF Photos)

Nakajima Ki-106, No. 301, a wooden airframe version of the Ki-84, shipped to the USA where it was designated USAAF FE-301, later T2-301.  This aircraft was an new production prototype produced by Tachikawa in 1945.

(USN Photo)

Kawanishi N1K1 Kyufu (strong wind) (Serial No. unknown).  One shipped to the USA after the war was designated USAAF FE-324.  It was scrapped at Park Ridge, ca. 1950.

(USN Photo)

Kawanishi N1K1 Kyufu (strong wind) (Serial No. 565), when it was on display at NAS Willow Grove, Pennsylvania.  This aircraft is now with the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Florida.  

(Author Photo)

Kawanishi N1K Kyofu (strong wind), Allied reporting name “Rex”, on display in immaculate condition at the National Museum of the Pacific War in Fredericksburg, Texas.

(USAAF Photo)

Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden (Serial No. 5511), test flown by the TAIU-SWPA, TAIC (S) 7, in USAAF markings.  This aircraft crashed at Clark Airfield, Luzon, Philippines, 1945.

Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden (Violet Lightning), (Serial No. 7102), code-named George, TAIC-SWPA, S9, at Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines, 1945.  (USAAF Photo)

Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden (Serial No. 7287) and (Serial No. 7317) were captured and taken to United States on the carrier USS Barnes. The Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden was an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service land-based version of the N1K1 floatplane.  Assigned the Allied codename “George”, the N1K1-J was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during the Second World War.  The N1K1 possessed a heavy armament and, unusual for a Japanese fighter, could absorb considerable battle damage.

 (USAAF Photo)

Kawanishi N1K2-J, USAAF markings being run up with the assistance of Japanese workers.

At least three Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai Model 21 aircraft survive in American museums.  Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai (Serial No. 5128) is in the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida.  Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (Serial No. 5312), a fighter-bomber variant equipped with wing mounts to carry bombs, is on display in the Air Power gallery at the National Museum of the United States Air Force, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base near Dayton, Ohio.  The N1K2-Ja is painted as an aircraft in the Yokosuka Kokutai, an evaluation and test unit.  Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai (Serial No. 5341), USAAF FE-305 is on display at the National Air and Space Museum’s Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center.

(Goshimini Photo)

(Valder137 Photos)

Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai Model 21 (Serial No. 5312) on display in the National Museum of the USAF.

(Greg Goebel Photo)

(Dick Jenkins Photo)

Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai Model 21 (Serial No. 5128), USAAF FE-306 on display in the National Museum of Naval Aviation, Pensacola, Florida.

KEN III (for Kensan III or Research III) incorporated numerous advanced features new to Japanese aircraft. Approval was given for the aircraft’s development and a full-scale wooden mockup was finished in May 1941. Because of the outbreak of World War II, the project was taken over by the Imperial Japanese Army and designated Ki-78. A production contract for two prototypes was awarded to Kawasaki, under the direction of Isamu Imashi. Construction of the first prototype began in September 1941 at Kawasaki’s plant at Gifu Air Field.

The Ki-78 was an all-metal, low wing monoplane of conventional layout. The small streamlined fuselage was made as narrow as possible and was 26 ft 7 in (8.1 m) long. The wings possessed a laminar flow airfoil with a span of 26 ft 3 in (8 m) and an area of 118.4 sq ft (11 sq m). To reduce landing speed and improve low-speed handling, the wings incorporated drooping ailerons along with a combination of Fowler and split flaps, which was a first for a Japanese aircraft. When the Fowler flaps were deployed, the split flaps opened simultaneously to a similar extent. When the flaps were fully deployed, the ailerons automatically drooped down 10 degrees.

Power for the Ki-78 was provided by an imported Daimler-Benz DB 601A inverted V-12 engine driving a three-blade metal propeller. The engine was not a Kawasaki Ha-40, a licensed copy of the DB 601. The DB 601 had a 5.91 in (150 mm) bore and 6.30 in stroke (160 mm), giving a total displacement of 2,070 cu in (33.9 L). It produced 1,175 hp (876 kW) at 2,500 rpm. The engine was modified by Kawasaki with the addition of a water-methanol injection system (another Japanese first) to boot the power output to 1,550 hp (1,156 kW) for short periods. The Ki-78 carried 66 gal (250 L) of fuel and 16 gal (60 L) of water-methanol.

Engine cooling was provided by two radiators: one mounted on each side of the rear fuselage. The radiators had a wide air inlet protruding slightly out from the fuselage. Airflow through each radiator was controlled by an actuated exit door. In addition, within the fuselage a small 60 hp (45 kW) turbine drove a fan to further assist cooling. The aircraft stood 10 ft 7/8 in (3.07 m) tall and weighed 4,255 lb (1,930 kg) empty.

The Ki-78 first flew on 26 December 1942 and was found to be extremely difficult to fly at low speeds and had poor stall characteristics. The aircraft was heavier than the design estimates, which increased the wing loading. Even with the special flaps and drooping ailerons, takeoff and landing speeds were both high at 127 mph (205 km/h) and 106 mph (170 km/h) respectively. In addition, elevator flutter was experienced at the relatively low speed of 395 mph (635 km/h) but was subsequently cured by fitting a horn-balance to the elevator.

High-speed flight tests were started in April 1943, and during the Ki-78’s 31st flight on 27 December, the aircraft achieved its maximum speed of 434.7 mph (699.6 km/h) at 11,572 ft (3,527 m). This was considerably less than the program’s speed goal of 528 mph (850 km/h). A study showed that extensive airframe modifications were needed to improve the Ki-78 flight performance. Consequently, the project was officially terminated after the aircraft’s 32nd flight on 11 January 1944. Only one prototype was built.

The unique Ki-78 survived the war but was crushed by American forces at Gifu Air Field in 1945.

The sole Ki-78 being crushed by American forces at Gifu Air Field, after the war, in 1945.

Kawasaki Ki-100-1b Type 5 fighter.  Four were shipped to the USA, Ki-100-1b designated USAAF FE-312 was scrapped at Park Ridge, ca. 1950, Ki-100-1b (Serial No. 13012), FE-314 was broken up at Patterson AFB in 1959, FE-315 was scrapped, and FE-317 was scrapped at Park Ridge ca. 1950.  One was shipped to the UK.  (IJAAF Photos)

(Aldo Bidini Photo)

Kawasaki Ki-100-1b Type 5 fighter, RAF Museum Cosford, England.

(USAAF Photo)

Kugisho P1Y1-C Ginga in USAAF markings.  Three Kugisho (Yokosuka) P1Y1 were shipped to the USA in 1945, USAAF FE-170 and FE-1701 were scrapped at Newark.  Kugisho P1Y1 (Serial No. 8923), FE-1702 is stored with the NASM.

Kyushu J7W1 Shinden, found at the factory where it was built in Japan in 1945.  One J7W1 Shinden was shipped to the USA, USAAF FE-326.  This aircraft is preserved in the Smithsonian Institution.  (USAAF Photos)

(USAAF Photos)

Kyushu Q1W1 patrol bomber, codenamed Lorna in USAAF markings.  Four Kyushu Q1W1 were shipped to the USA for flight testing in 1945.  Kyushu Q1W1, USAAF FE-4800 was scrapped at Park Ridge ca. 1950, FE-4805 was scrapped at Middletown, FE-4810 and FE-4811 were scrapped at Newark.

 (USN Photo)

Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 flying boat (Serial No. 426) in Washington State post war.  Four H8K2 aircraft survived until the end of the war.  One of these, an H8K2 (Serial No. 426), was captured by U.S. forces at the end of the war and was evaluated before being eventually returned to Japan in 1979.  It was on display at Tokyo's Museum of Maritime Science until 2004, when it was moved to Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima.

(Max Smith Photo)

(Miya.m Photos)

Kawanishi H8K2 Type 2 flying boat (Serial No. 426) on display at Kanoya Air Base in Kagoshima.