Hasegawa JT14 KI-61-I Tony 244th Group 1/48 – Japanese WWII Fighter Aircraft

The plastic model kit Hasegawa JT14 KI-61-I Tony 244th Group 1/48 is an excellent choice for aviation enthusiasts and modelers interested in aircraft from the Second World War era. The precision craftsmanship and attention to detail make this set the perfect selection for anyone looking to recreate a realistic model of the legendary Japanese fighter Ki-61 "Hien," also known as “Tony” in Allied code.

Scale and Model Characteristics

• Scale: 1/48 – ideal for display and showcasing structural details.
• Material: high-quality plastic, enabling precise assembly and easy fitting of parts.
• The kit does not include glue or paints – we recommend choosing products dedicated to plastic models.
• The model is designed for self-assembly and painting, allowing for personalized interpretation of historical markings.

History of the KI-61-I Hien Aircraft

The Ki-61-I Hien ("Flying Swallow") was one of the most advanced Japanese fighter planes of the early 1940s. Produced by Kawasaki, it entered service in the Empire of Japan in 1943. These planes were notable for their liquid-cooled inline engines, a rarity among Japanese military aircraft.
The Ki-61-I fighter was widely used in aerial combat on the Chinese front as well as in the defense of Japan’s home islands against bombing raids carried out by the Allies. The famous 244th Air Group (244th Sentai), whose markings are included in the Hasegawa set, became renowned for both its encounters with B-29 bombers and its dynamic air battles over Tokyo in 1944–1945.

• Service period: World War II (1943–1945)
• Operator: Japan
• Category: plastic assembly model – fighter aircraft

Who is it recommended for?

We particularly recommend the Hasegawa JT14 KI-61-I Tony 244th Group 1/48 kit to intermediate and advanced modelers. The wealth of details and the possibility to recreate unique, historical markings mean that this model will meet the expectations of any military aviation and World War II history enthusiast.

• Difficulty level: 3/5 (requires precision and basic modeling knowledge)
• Ideal for dioramas, historical collections, or as a base for further detailing or conversions.

Choose a Hasegawa model and immerse yourself in the fascinating world of aviation history reconstruction!