Arawasi International

Magazine 

Issue No.11

Reviewed by Rob Baumgartner

HyperScale is proudly supported by Squadron.com
 

Issue 11 of this eagerly awaited magazine is upon us and as before, there is plenty of information for the enthusiast to digest.

This latest edition of Arawasi International is a delight for “Toryu” fans. As well as the usual range of diverse and interesting material there are 4 articles centered around the Kawasaki Ki-45.

All up, 65 pages are in this edition and these are contained within the standard soft card covers. The A4 format suits the publication perfectly as it allows plenty of space for the reproduction of artwork and photographs.

• The first feature involves a unit history and this time it’s a relook at the 53rd Sentai. In November 1944 an official IAAF photographer took some colour images at Matsudo airfield. Kikuchi Shunkichi’s original negatives have been professionally restored and are reproduced here. This compliments new information on the unit thanks to much diligent research into Japanese source material.

• Next is a follow-up to a previous article on the captured Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. This time it’s the Douglas DB-7B Boston under the spotlight which was assessed by both Japanese air arms. A translation of one of their “round the table” discussion is most revealing.

• Following this is the personal account of a Toryû pilot who was in the chûyai of the 21st Sentai. This recollection was seen in 1956 when published in the Japanese aviation magazine Sekai no Kôkûki. He was involved in fighting B-24 Liberator bombers and it proved to be an unforgettable experience.

• The “Project Only” department investigates the IJNAF’s twin boom Mitsubishi J4M Senden.

Technical specifications are included as well as a general arrangement of the proposed fighter.

• The story of how the French Nieuport 24 came to be involved in Japanese aviation is covered in the next 10 pages. It became a fighter for the IJAAF as well as being used for training and civil duties.  All this is covered with the help of 26 photographs which include images from contemporary coloured postcards.

• “Trained in Japan” highlights the path of Korea’s first female civilian pilot. Her tale of determination to overcome prejudices and controversy is a remarkable one.

• This chapter describes the Ki-11, the Japanese “Peashooter” due to its uncanny resemblance to the Boeing P-26A. Although unsuccessful, it was an aircraft that helped bridge the gap between the beloved biplanes of the IJAAF and the new generation of low-wing monoplanes.

• An article on flight instruments takes a look at the Type 98 Kô magnetic compass and Type 98 turn and bank indicator. These of course were used on the Ki-45 and a selection of close-up photographs lets you know exactly what they looked like.

• Part 2 of “The Riddle of the Guns” continues the explanation of Toryû designation and armament configurations. Here we see a review of available “Nick” kits and the idea is to make sure the modeler fully understands the variant they are building.
  

First launched in 2005, this magazine has come a long way since the early “homemade” issues.

The production is first-class and this is also reflected in the contents. The diversity of material means there is something to please everyone and the publication has become an ideal reference source for fans of Japanese aviation

Thanks to Arawasi Magazine for the review sample

Review Copyright © 2008 by Rob Baumgartner
This Page Created on 1 December, 2009
Last updated 1 December, 2009

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