Thursday 25 October 2012

Tachikawa Ki-54 "Hickory"

A vintage photo from a September 1944 magazine. 
"Wild Eagles reading letters from home under the wing of their beloved plane".
Actually we are not 100% sure about the type of the aircraft. We believe it's a "Hickory", possibly Ki-54Hei transport, with the wheel covers removed. The landing gear of the Ki-54 is very similar with the one Kawasaki Ki-48 "Lily" had but the lack of cowling gills points to a Ki-54. Feel free to send us your thoughts.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

My comment went wrong I suppose - but I think it's a Ki 54. Th e exhaust tube of the Ki48is situated more forward and lower.

Jacob.

D. Chouinard said...

I would say Ki-54 looking at the engines and the lack of "gills", as you had mentioned.
Interesting to note the somewhat scruffy paint work and other details.
Things are the same everywhere, letters from home mean a lot. Great photo!

Thanks!

Ryan B. said...

If it was Ki-48 we'd probably see part of the three-bladed prop. believe Hickory had a two-bladed prop, which could explain why none is seen in the photo.