AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

And the Ki-43 Oscar goes to . . .

Last year I talked about how there is a project to construct from scratch new ME-262 jet fighters for private owners. There is a similar project afoot to build four new Ki-43 Oscar fighters for private owners.


www.warbirdsresourcegroup.org - Texas Aircraft Factory's Oscars

The KI-43 Oscar, originally flown by the Imperial Japanese Army, is a great aircraft for a private owner. It is much simpler than American aircraft of the same period. The Oscar was unmatched for its manouverability and climb, besting even its compatriate A6M Zero. (The Zero was flown by the Japanese Navy.) The Ki-43's weaknesses in battle aren't important to the contemporary enthusiast owner. The plane's light armorment doesn't matter because it won't be shooting at anyone. The lack of armor or gas tank protection also aren't critical. The relatively low top speed, just over 300mph also isn't important in a market where most general aviation aircraft won't top 200.