Foreign Aircraft in Japanese Markings

[syscom3]

I got this in an e-mail. I know some of you might possibly find this interesting.

Bf109E-7, Japan, 1941 Five Bf109s were sent to Japan, sans armament, for evaluation. While in Japan they received the standard Japanese hinomarus and yellow wing leading edges, as well as white numerals on the rudder. A red band outlined in white is around the rear fuselage. Study of the Bf109 in Japan led to the design of the formidable Ki-61 Hein.

The colors of the plane appear to be the standard RLM 74/75/76 scheme, with medium mottling on the fuselage sides, probably including both RLM 74 and RLM 75 as well as RLM 02. It is possible that some or all of these planes were later repainted in standard IJAAF colors.

Caption and Drawing by Chris Banyai-Riepl from his upcoming book on the 109.

 

[FLYBOYJ]

First time I seen a color print of it - good find!

 

[mkloby]

Very awesome Syscom

 

[Haztoys]

Any info on how they liked or did not like about the 109..?? How close was the Ki-61 to the 109..?...There must of been some like of the plane..Just do to the fact that they made the Ki-61..And it was SOOO far off what the Japanese were doing at the time... And wonder what ever be came of the 109s the the Japanese had...

 

[Micdrow]

Id have to do some digging, I believe the Japanese received a Ju-87 and I know they received some Bf-108's. Ive got a picture some where around here with the Bf-108 in Japanese markings. From what I remember they where not impressed with the 109s because they where not as maneuverable as there zero's nor did they come close for range.

I might also have some other pictures of the Bf-109 around here also in Japanese colors.

 

[Micdrow]

I found some of them. First one is with a Ki-61 flying with a Bf-109. Second to last one is the Bf-108. Last one is the Ju-87

 

[ppopsie]

As far as I can remember the Ki-44 Shoki was the evaluated one on a par with the Messerschmitt. Fw-190s were in Japan too. The photo the Ki-60 formates with a Me is new to me.

The Me-108s were for practical use. I think the Navy got a Ju-88 but it was went missing on a test hop made soon after imported to Japan.

 

[ccheese]

In the above pic with the bf108.... is that a P-38 tail on the left ? Or could it
be another Lockheed aircraft. Hudson, Vega ???

Charles

 

[Micdrow]

As far as I can remember the Ki-44 Shoki was the evaluated one on a par with the Messerschmitt. Fw-190s were in Japan too. The photo the Ki-60 formates with a Me is new to me.

The Me-108s were for practical use. I think the Navy got a Ju-88 but it was went missing on a test hop made soon after imported to Japan.

Yeah I forgot about the Fw-190s. I have some pictures some where, will look when I get home. ppopsie you wouldnt have any more pictures of the Bf-108 in Japanese marking's would you. Thats the only one I know of above.

 

[ppopsie]

>Bf-108 in Japan
For now I think I don't. Sorry. That pic is only one I got in my collection too. I thought the Me was Manchukuo's.

 

[Micdrow]

>Bf-108 in Japan
For now I think I don't. Sorry. That pic is only one I got in my collection too. I thought the Me was Manchukuo's.

No problem, It took me a year or two before I found that one.

 

[Gnomey]

I have heard about and see black and white pictures but never colour, cool find!

 

[Marshall_Stack]

I was curious why the KI-61 had such problems with the engines overheating. If they used the DB engine (license), why didn't they just copy the coolant system?

 

[Haztoys]

Now the Japanese made a Air cooled DB motor also Right...?????????..OR...??

 

[Aggie08]

Cool pics! Did the Japanese send any aircraft to Germany for the same purpose?

 

[FLYBOYJ]

I was curious why the KI-61 had such problems with the engines overheating. If they used the DB engine (license), why didn't they just copy the coolant system?

Sometimes its not only the cooling system causing overheating problems, it depends on the cowling and how the baffling is installed around the engine to allow adequate airflow.

 

[Micdrow]

Here you go, some of the Fw-190 pics I have from a variety of places and sources.

 

[DBII]

CCheese, I would guess that it is a Vegas tail. Thanks for sharing syscom3. I always like seeing plans in different markings.

DBII

 

[Micdrow]

In the above pic with the bf108.... is that a P-38 tail on the left ? Or could it
be another Lockheed aircraft. Hudson, Vega ???

Charles

Hi Charles

Very close, I believe this is a Kawasaki Army Type 1 Freight Transport Ki-56

A number of Lockheed 14s where shipped to Japan in 1938. Lockheed sold the manufacturing rights in 1938 to Japan. It was built in Japan by the Kawanishi Company.

 

[Micdrow]

Also some people dont know this but in the beginning the Japanese used Italian Br20's before Japanese bombers were brought over to China.