Dragon 1/72 Mitsubishi Ki 90

[BradG]

With the bombing of the Japanese home islands increasing, the IJAAF was on the hunt for a newly designed interceptor capable of penetrating the fighter screen and attacking the bombers. When U-1224 arrived in Japan in February 1944 she brought with her plans and details of the Messerschmitt P 1101, a single jet engine interceptor along with their new stand off wire guided missile technology. With the coming B-29 raids on the home islands, the Japanese thought this was just the fighter for them, commissioning Mitsubishi to build the aircraft.

The Mitsubishi Ki 90 Thunder Lord was only built in limited numbers, serving with the 520th Temporary Interception Group, the first to see combat with the new jet in March 1945. The group comprised of Senior flight instructors and the most talented flight students. Escorted by the groups Ki 84 Hayate's, the Ki 90 scored significant success against B-29 formations, being able to penetrate fighter screens with a 200mph speed advantage and stand off at a safe range while launching their X-4 wire guided missiles at the formations. Despite their success, there was never enough in service to change the outcome of the war.

The kit itself is the Dragon 1/72 Me P 1101, with decals from the spares box. The kit itself goes together nicely and makes into a smart looking jet.

[oz rb fan]

interesting beast Brad

[Wedgetail]

Nice build Brad and great paint scheme as well, enjoyed the story as well.