Kawasaki KI-61 Hien Fighter

The air warrior of the Empire of Great Japan arrives! Build the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien model and learn more about the history of air battles in the Pacific! Transport yourself to the Pacific War front and build one of the most unusual fighter planes of World War II. The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien from COBI is a compact yet incredibly atmospheric model that combines history, a passion for aviation and the satisfaction of building. It's the perfect choice for both collectors of brick models and military enthusiasts who want to enrich their shelf with a machine with a true fighting spirit. A fighter unlike any other The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien ("Flying Swallow") was one of the most unusual Japanese fighter planes of World War II. As the only mass-produced Japanese army fighter with a liquid-cooled V-engine, it clearly differed from the light, radial-engined designs of the Land of the Rising Sun. The prototype was first flown in early 1942, and by August of the same year, the first production models had entered service with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. When the Americans first encountered the Ki-61 in combat, they initially mistook it for a German Messerschmitt Bf 109, and then for an Italian design. Hence the Allied code name "Tony". From 1943, Hien fighters fought over New Guinea, New Britain, the Philippines and later defended the Japanese islands themselves against raids by B-29 Superfortress bombers. The new Hien proved to be the only Japanese fighter capable of effectively operating at high altitudes against B-29 Superfortress bombers. In the final stages of the war, some of the aircraft were even used in kamikaze units. Why build the Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien set from COBI? 1:48 scale – The perfect compromise between detail and compact size. The model looks great on a shelf and fits perfectly into the COBI collection of historical aircraft. 141 bricks – The set offers enjoyable building, allowing you to create a recognizable and realistic silhouette of the legendary fighter in a short time. Faithful historical representation – The characteristic fuselage line, slender wings and details inspired by the original Ki-61 design make the model perfectly suited for dioramas depicting battles over the Pacific. Prints only – zero stickers – Markings and details are printed directly on the bricks, guaranteeing durability, aesthetics and the collectible nature of the model. High quality and movable elements – Precisely fitted bricks, detachable wheels with rubber tires, a movable propeller and refined details make the aircraft look great on a shelf and during play. Age: 6+ – The set is designed for both younger and more experienced builders. It's a great option for beginners and adult collectors. Simple building process – Clear step-by-step instructions make assembling the model easy regardless of the builder's experience. Intuitive icons and illustrations allow you to focus on the details, and the final result provides great satisfaction. Fun and display in one - Once assembled, the model becomes not only a great toy but also an atmospheric decoration for any aviation and history enthusiast. Perfect for collectors - The Ki-61 Hien perfectly complements the series of iconic military aircraft from COBI, not only from the HISTORICAL COLLECTION WWII series. The Kawasaki Ki-61 Hien is a symbol of ambition, technological experimentation and dramatic air battles over the Pacific. By building this model, you are not only assembling bricks, but recreating a piece of history where speed, courage and innovation determined the fate of pilots and entire campaigns. With 145 precisely made bricks, you will build an aircraft that stood out from all other Japanese designs not only in appearance but also in technology. It's a small model with a big history! Don't wait, build it... brick by brick! • 141 high-quality elements • Manufactured in the EU by a company with over 35 years of tradition • Meets safety standards for children's products • Fully compatible with other brands of building blocks • Clear and intuitive instructions based on illustrations and step-by-step directions • Scale 1:48 Model dimensions (L x W x H): 190mm x 250mm x 90mm

Description provided by COBI