The Mitsubishi Ki-15 (allied code name "Babs") was initially developed as a fast mail plane. It was fast despite the skirted, fixed landing gear and not-so-aerodynamic large engine cowling. In fact, it was so fast that it set a speed record in 1937. The military quickly realized its potential for reconnaissance and light bomber work and it was used by the Imperial Japanese Army in China during the Second Sino-Japanese War. The engine was upgraded in 1939 to a 750 hp unit (Ki-15-II) increasing the top speed to 317 mph. The Ki-15 was effective until the Chinese air force acquired the faster Soviet Polikarpov I-16 fighter. When Japan entered WW II, the Ki-15 was outclassed by allied fighters and was withdrawn from front-line service in 1942. It was relegated to a trainer role. The diecast model shown here is the first version of the Ki-15.

 Class: Light Bomber, Reconnaissance

 Crew: 2

 Engine: Nakajima Ha-8 9-cylinder radial (640 hp)

 Max Speed: 298 mph at 13,125 ft

 Climb Rate: 1,941 ft/min

 Service Ceiling: 37,400 ft

 Range: 1,500 miles

 Armament: 1 x .303 inch machine gun (flexible mount rear-firing)
                       550 lb bombload

  Model Scale:  1:87 (same scale as HO trains!)