Originally shared by Lord Anubis

Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu (Dragon Slayer). This was a twin engined, two seat heavy fighter for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. It saw use across the Pacific from Rabaul in New Guinea to the defence of Japan. In May 1944, a Toryu rimmed and sank the American sub-chaser SC-699 off Biak Island and some were expended in Kamikaze attacks. Its performance meant it didn’t fight well against single seat fighters and so it was largely used as a nightfighter with obliquely firing 20mm cannons, as shown on this example. Just over 1000 Toryus were built.