The Mitsubishi Ki-46-III KAI was a modification of the successful Ki-46 reconnaissance aircraft. It was armed to intercept the Unites States B-29 bombers then attacking Japan but was not very successful in that role.

The Ki-46-III KAI was based on the highly successful reconnaissance aircraft which was modified to intercept B-28 bombers.

Modifications included redesign of the nose to make space for two 20mm cannon and replacing the top centre fuselage fuel tank with an obliquely mounted forward firing 37mm cannon.

The first one was completed in October 1944 and aircraft of this type were soon issued to various units operating in defence of Japan.

However results were disappointing as the aircraft did not have the climbing speed required for an interceptor and because of a change in B-29 operational tactics.

This model represents an aircraft of the 17th Dokuritu Dai Shijugo Chutai in, Japan in early 1945.

LS 1/72 kit completed by Leigh Edmonds in February 2025.