by Richard Dunn | Nov 30, 2025 | Japanese
I have written about the Zero 21’s maximum speed previously in this article. Published sources list Zero 21 performance across a surprisingly wide range. In addition to older references, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum currently has an article on its website stating...
by Richard Dunn | Nov 3, 2025 | Japanese
In the summer of 1940, the Mitsubishi Type Zero carrier fighter fresh from service testing was sent to China for its introduction to combat. From its first engagement with Chinese fighters, it achieved amazing success. Chinese fighters soon began avoiding combat. Over...
by Richard Dunn | Jul 3, 2025 | Japanese
This article focuses on one pilot’s story—Lt. Noriyuki Saito, a Japanese fighter pilot who flew missions over Burma during WWII. Through his experience, we gain rare perspective and insight into the other side of the Burma air war. His story sheds light on the...
by Richard Dunn | Mar 27, 2025 | Japanese
On February 5, 1942, a routine Japanese administrative order was issued: “13 Experimental large model Flying Boat is adopted and designated Type 2 large Flying Boat, model 11.” Administrative Ordnance Order (Naireihei) No. 8-42. The Shi 13 experimental aircraft was...
by Richard Dunn | Dec 5, 2024 | Japanese
The story of captured Allied aircraft in Japanese hands offers a fascinating glimpse into the improvisation and ingenuity necessitated by wartime constraints. Among these tales, the saga of the Hankow Warhawks—a squadron of P-40Ks abandoned on a Yangtze River sandbank...
by Richard Dunn | Oct 15, 2024 | Allied Forces, Japanese
The homepage on my computer cycles various items of interest across the screen. These may be news or current events (fashion and celebrity gossip among them) but also include some historical subjects, even aviation history. Among the latter are sometimes profiles or...
