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Kyushu J7W2 Shinden-Kai, jet concept.

@Destroye83 via X

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Kikka prototype jet being prepared for its first flight, Kisarazu Air Field, Japan, 7 Aug 1945

@VoicesofWW2 via X

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A Japanese Mitsubishi Ki-21 bomber (Type 97 Army Bomber) flying over water. The Allied classification codename for the aircraft was "Sally".

@Destroye83 via X

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N1K2 Shiden Kai

@matsudaHI via X

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Zero-Type Seaplane Reconnaissance Aircraft Type 11

Main naval carrier-based reconnaissance aircraft

Officially adopted in 1940, it was equipped on surface ships

Due to its slow speed of 367 km/h, from the middle of the war

reconnaissance duties shifted to the Type 2 Carrier-Based Reconnaissance Aircraft, etc.

However, it was used versatilely for night reconnaissance, convoy escort, and anti-submarine patrol

and was operated until the end of the war (approximately 1,400 units produced)

@maguro0314ss via X

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45 years ago, captured undamaged by U.S. forces

Type 1 Land-based Attack Aircraft (G4M2)

Philippines/Clark Air Base

U.S. Military Technical Intelligence personnel inspecting the aircraft

Later, experimental and verification flights were conducted

(Believed to be from the 763rd Air Group based on the tail number)

@maguro0314ss via X

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Japanese torpedo bomber Nakajima B5N2 "Kate" takes off from the deck of the aircraft carrier "Zuikaku" to attack an American carrier task force during the Battle of the Coral Sea (May 4–8, 1942).

@Destroye83 via X

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"The white Zero fighter flying over the jungle was truly, truly a beautiful sight."

Saburo Sakai, the author of "Samurai of the Skies" and Zero fighter ace, continued, "But, you know, when it was on the ground, it stood out so much that it ended up being camouflaged with green stripes or spots," and he provided this photo of the Type 21 from Rabaul.

@Kerpanen via X

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The master painter Yoshiyuki Takani, who depicted a battle-worn Zero fighter with vivid oil leaks, was apparently scolded by Sakai, saying, "Such poor maintenance won't do."

"But I thought it looked cooler this way," said Mr. Takani.

However, for someone who actually flies and risks their life, oil leaks would surely be unforgivable.

Modelers, you should truly consider the perspective of those who fly when painting.

@kerpanen via X

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When I first met Saburo Sakai, he said, "If there hadn't been a war, I would have wanted to be an F1 racer."

I think that not only Sakai-san but all the fighter pilots of the Army and Navy probably wanted to fly a perfectly maintained, polished, and gleaming fighter plane, much like the pinnacle of technology that is a racing car.

@kerpanen via X

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Aichi B7A Ryūsei Grace Torpedo Bomber

Designed for the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service during the Second World War, the Aichi B7A Ryūsei was a torpedo dive bomber aircraft. The Allies assigned it the reporting name Grace, while Ryūsei translates as shooting star. The B7A was not yet in operational service when the only active Japanese aircraft carrier Taihō was sunk. The only other aircraft carrier of sufficient size Shinano was sunk only ten days after commissioning in November 1944. As a result B7A aircraft operated from land bases. A total of 114 were built before the end of hostilities.

More Photos Here.

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Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress Bombers Captured by Japan

The Japanese recovered a Boeing B-17D Flying Fortress from wreckage at Clarke Field in the Philippines. This was evaluated in Japan, along with two B-17E bombers recovered in Java.

More photos here.

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Imperial Japanese Army Air Force Focke-Wulf Fw 190 A-5

The Japanese Army Air Force received one Focke-Wulf Fw 190A-5 for evaluation purposes. Japanese pilots did not like the lower manoeuvrability compared to Japanese fighters, despite its faster climb and dive rates.

At the end of the war, the engine was found in an experimental building at Kagamigahara. This had been studied as a model to adapt the Kawasaki Ki-61 Tony from liquid-cooled to radial-engine installation.

More photos here.

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Yokosuka R2Y Keiun

The Yokosuka R2Y Keiun "Cirrus Cloud" was a prototype reconnaissance aircraft built in Japan late in World War II.

Commissioned for the Imperial Japanese Navy the R2Y used coupled engines driving a single propeller and also featured a tricycle undercarriage.

Completed in April 1945, the prototype made a short flight on 8 May, but was destroyed in a US air raid only a few days later ending development.

More photos here.

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A6M3 Zero type 21

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D3A Val dive bomber IJN

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Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu

The Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (Allied code name Rex) was a single seat floatplane fighter. It was designed to support offensive operations where no forward airstrips were available. However, by the time it became operational, Japan was on the defensive and the role for the fighter had disappeared. As a consequence, only 97 were built.

Kawanishi produced a private venture of the Kyofu as a land plane fighter. Without the penalty of the large float, performance was significantly improved. It was produced as the Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden and further refined as the Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai.

More photos here.