The Japanese aircraft that was shot down - KI-46

 

The picture shows personnel from the 14th Army Air Force inspecting a Japanese Mitsubishi KI-46 that was shot down in China, revealing a tiger on the tail wing.

(14th Air Force personnel examine the tiger insignia on a Japanese Mitsubishi Ki-46 brought down in China)

Before analyzing the background of this photo, I would like to introduce this special tiger icon.This "tiger" symbol is closely related to the Japanese Independent Flight 18th Squadron

Certainly,here is the translation of the provided information into English:

• Origin:The"Tiger"emblem of the Independent Flying Squadron 18 originated in April 1939,during the era of the Type 97 reconnaissance aircraft.The concept of this emblem was proposed by Captain Arakawa Yoshiji,the squadron leader,with the aim of boosting morale.

• Design:The design of the emblem was determined through an open solicitation within the squadron and ultimately adopted from a design by a soldier from the 24th Field Air Repair Depot.The emblem features a ferocious tiger with colors black,yellow,and white.

• Symbolic Significance:The tiger emblem symbolizes the ancient Chinese saying"A tiger marches a thousand miles,seizing a thousand enemy troops,"which aligns with the mission of the reconnaissance aircraft under the command headquarters.

• Evolution:By 1941,the fuselage of the Type 97 reconnaissance aircraft was marked with the"Rising Sun"(Japanese national flag)emblem,and the"Tiger"emblem was moved to the side of the cockpit.At the end of 1942,Private First Class Tanaka Shū of the squadron's maintenance crew modified the"Tenshō"(Soaring to the Heavens)emblem on the tail fin,a design that was well-received by the crew.On April 20,1943,when Captain Kengyoku Mamoru took office as the new squadron leader,this new design was officially adopted as the unit's emblem.

• Artistic Quality:The artist and calligrapher,Takagi Hideo,was commissioned to design the tail fin emblem for the Type 100 reconnaissance aircraft.This emblem gained attention for its artistic value.Takagi spent one hour crafting the design,with subtle differences in the positioning of the patterns on the left and right sides.

• Confrontation:In mainland China,the Independent Flying Squadron 18 of the Japanese Army Air Force was in opposition to the American"Flying Tigers"(the American Volunteer Group,later the 23rd Fighter Group).Both sides demonstrated high levels of combat skill and aggressiveness in their encounters.

• Demise:On October 11,1944,the"Tiger"emblem of the Independent Flying Squadron 18 was merged with the 1st Squadron of the 82nd Air Squadron.As the war situation deteriorated,the emblem gradually lost its luster and eventually vanished amidst the turmoil of war.

At this point, we can know that the tiger emblem on the tail wing of KI-46, which was shot down by the Flying Tigers in the photo, comes from the Independent 18th Flying Squadron. Based on the environment in the background, it can be seen that there are bamboo plants. Combined with the active location of the Flying Tigers, it can be inferred that this photo was taken in the Yunnan Kunming area.

The "Tiger" emblem is not only a military symbol, but also a reflection of Japanese military culture and art. At the same time, it witnesses the intense and brutal aerial combat of that era.

images:internet

reference material:The World's Masterpiece Machine, page 37