Japanese Army Air Force Units

Among the more fascinating information in the book 'Japanese Army Air Force Fighter Units and Their Aces, 1931-1945' is the Ki-43's interception of B-24s. Given the lightness of the Ki-43's armament (two machine guns mounted depending on the model), it is amazing how Ki-43s were able to bring a few B-24s down.

This book includes some photos of Japanese fighters that were previously not seen in English language publications.

The operations of individual army air force units is the most interesting aspect of this volume.

Apparently, Ki-27 units were deployed in Malaya during the campaign and some Ki-27s were caught on the ground and destroyed by British bombers.

From the claim figures, I have a suspicion that a significant number of Japanese claims arose from the Allied penchant for diving when escaping the slower Japanese fighters.

"It has become almost a cliche to remark that nobody boasts of ignorance of literature, but it is socially acceptable to boast ignorance of science." Richard Dawkins