A twin-engine heavy fighter codenamed Nick, the Ki-45 Toryu (Dragon Killer) served as a bomber destroyer, ground-attack aircraft, and, fitted with upward-firing cannon, a night fighter that helped defend Japan's cities against B-29 raids. It lacked the agility to dogfight single-engine fighters but its heavier armament made it a useful bomber interceptor.
A Royal Air Force officer examining a Japanese Kawasaki Ki-45 Toryu fighter/ground attack aircraft (known to the Allies as a "Nick"). This was one of a number of aircraft abandoned at Kallang Airport, Singapore.Flight Officer Ashley, official photographer of the Royal Air Force. · Public domain · sourceKawasaki Ki-45 Kai Hei (Mod. C) Type 2 Toryu (Dragon Killer) NICK fuselage with a Schräge Musik fitment, at the Udvar-Hazy Center museum.Steven Duhig · CC BY-SA 2.0 · sourceA Kawasaki Ki-45 "Nick" fighter painted in U.S. Army Air Forces markings following the surrender of Japan.Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domain · source
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