{"product_id":"nakajima-ki-49-helen-units-9781472854490","title":"Nakajima Ki-49 'Helen' Units","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003eA fully illustrated study of the Nakajima Ki49 'Helen', the twin-engined bomber of the Pacific War, \u003c\/b\u003e\u003cb\u003efrom Japanese aviation expert George Eleftheriou.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThe Nakajima Ki-49 Donryu ('Dragon Eater'), codenamed 'Helen' by the Allies, was a twin-engined Japanese bomber designed to undertake daylight attacks without the protection of escort fighters. Consequently, while it was officially known as the Army Type 100 Heavy Bomber, its formidable defensive armament and armour were so heavy that they restricted the Ki-49 to payloads comparable to those of smaller medium bombers. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhile only five heavy bomber sentai (regiments) were equipped with the 'Helen', the over 800 Ki-49s built between 1941 and 1944 saw extensive action in Burma, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, northern India and north Australia. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn an act of desperation, a small number of 'Helens' were even employed, unsuccessfully, as kamikaze aircraft against US Navy warships operating off the Philippines and Okinawa. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eIn this fascinating book, George Eleftheriou provides a comprehensive account of the units that saw action flying the 'Helen', based on original Japanese sources. Also featuring high-quality photographs never published before, specially commissioned colour profile artwork, official unit histories and veteran accounts, this title is a must-have for Japanese aircraft enthusiasts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eBinding Type:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Osprey Publishing (UK)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 05\/23\/2023\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN:\u003c\/b\u003e 9781472854490\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 96\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 1.00lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 9.76h x 7.24w x 1.00d","brand":"George Eleftheriou","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":42856417984693,"sku":"9781472854490","price":21.25,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0473\/0804\/6492\/products\/img_20475e4e-c4fb-4c67-b15d-c08df132e7b7.jpg?v=1683039213","url":"https:\/\/pastforward.org\/products\/nakajima-ki-49-helen-units-9781472854490","provider":"Past Forward","version":"1.0","type":"link"}