20.03.2009, 10:38
To give some clarification as to the importance of at least one of the above Japanese aircraft...
The Ki-45 was to the PTO what the Bf 110 was to Europe, used in diverse roles and units throughout the war eventually being deployed as a bomber intercepter at which it excelled - one homeland defence Sentai downed 8 B29 Superforts on its first combat mission! Radar fitted night fighter versions were planned but did not quite reach production stage before the war's end.
Imagine not having the choice of a BF110 in any European / Desert / Eastern Front campaign...
The Ki-45 was to the PTO what the Bf 110 was to Europe, used in diverse roles and units throughout the war eventually being deployed as a bomber intercepter at which it excelled - one homeland defence Sentai downed 8 B29 Superforts on its first combat mission! Radar fitted night fighter versions were planned but did not quite reach production stage before the war's end.
Imagine not having the choice of a BF110 in any European / Desert / Eastern Front campaign...