Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien (Tony)
Bring a distinctive Imperial Japanese Army fighter to your collection with this detailed 3D-printed Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien. Known to Allied forces by the reporting name “Tony,” the Ki-61 offers an unmistakable alternative to the radial-engined Japanese aircraft more commonly associated with World War II. It is ideal for aviation collections, period scenes and historically themed displays.
Historical Role
The Ki-61 was a single-seat fighter operated by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force during World War II. Designed for air superiority and interception duties, it served across several theatres, including New Guinea, China, the Philippines and the defence of the Japanese home islands. Its speed, armament and comparatively robust construction allowed it to engage Allied fighters and bombers, although serviceability was often affected by engine maintenance and supply difficulties.
Distinctive Appearance
Unlike many Japanese fighters of the period, the Ki-61 featured a narrow, streamlined nose built around a liquid-cooled inline engine. Its long engine cowling, low-mounted wings, enclosed cockpit and clean fuselage profile gave it a distinctly European appearance. These features initially caused Allied observers to suspect that the aircraft was derived from an Italian design. The model’s elegant silhouette makes it instantly recognisable in an aircraft lineup or airfield setting.
Modelling Uses
This model is well suited to Japanese airfield dioramas, dispersed fighter bases, maintenance scenes and late-war interception displays. Smaller scales work particularly well alongside model railways and compact wargaming displays, while larger versions provide greater visual presence for painters and collectors. It can be displayed in factory-inspired finishes, operational camouflage or weathered field conditions.
Fun Fact
The Ki-61 was powered by the Kawasaki Ha-40, a Japanese-built development of the German Daimler-Benz DB 601 engine. Its unusual inline-engine profile contributed to the Allied choice of the Italian-sounding reporting name “Tony.”
Available Scales
Available in 1:87, 1:76, 1:72, 1:48 and 1:35 scales.
Finish Options
Choose from Cleaned Resin Grey, Grey Primed - Ready for Painting, or Historical Base Colour.
Very small details may vary slightly depending on the scale selected.
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