1/72 92038 RS Models Tachikawa Ki-94 II - Japanese High Altitude Interceptor
Plastic Model Kit, Box Condition: Sealed Mint
Still factory sealed. This excellent kit is crisply molded and features all fine recessed panel lines, resin details, many brass PE parts, an excellent cockpit, detailed wheel wells and optional parts to build either the prototype or the planned production version. Includes two sets of decals. The original Ki-94 (the 'I' variant) was to be a twin-boom design intended to intercept the B-29 Superfortress. However, the Japanese Army Air Force decided that it was too complicated, made too many 'leaps forward' and that the performance over overly optimistic. The 'II' variant (this kit) was a much more conventional design that still offered a great improvement over existing interceptors. It was designed for high-altitude battle and had a pressurized cockpit and very heavy armament. This design was approved by the Koku Hombu, and the aircraft was designated Ki-94-II (the scrapped earlier Ki-94 design was named the Ki-94-I). An order was placed for one static test airframe, three prototypes, and eighteen pre-production aircraft. Only 2 prototypes were built; the first was equipped with a single Nakajima Ha-44 engine driving a 4-blade propeller because the 6-blade prop was not ready. The second prototype was to be fitted with the correct propeller. But as with many other project, the approaching end of the war and shortage of resources brought a halt to the construction of the second prototype. At the end of the war, the first prototype still being readied for its maiden flight and although complete, probably did not fly.
$27.00