Designed as a long-range escort fighter, the Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Dragon-slayer) was the first twin-engined fighter of the Imperial Japanese Army.
They were fairly fast but not really formidable until, on 27 May 1944, four Kai-B made the first ever suicide (kamikazi) attack on the north coast of New Guinea.
Some Ki-45's were configured as Kai-C night fighters and on the night of 15 June 1944, claimed seven victories of B-29's.
The Kawasaki Ki-45 never operated in it's designed role as escort fighter.
Source: Fighting Aircraft of World War II
Published by Salamander Books.
