Kawasaki Ki 100-I, 16336, "White 24"
History
The Ki-100 was a variant of the Ki-61 Hein, adapted to use a radial engine instead of the inline engine of its predecessor.This modification was driven by the unavailability of the original engine type. The Ki-100-I Otsu, serial number 16336, was assembled in June 1945 at Kawasaki's Kagamigahara factory. It was accepted into the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (IJAAF) service in July 1945 .
Following Japan's surrender, 16336 was among 24 aircraft discovered at Tan Son Nhut Airfield in Saigon (now Ho Chi Minh City), then part of French Indochina. The aircraft was found in serviceable condition and was shipped to the United Kingdom in 1946. Upon arrival, it was stored at various locations, including RAF Colerne and RAF Biggin Hill. In 1960, it was transferred to the RAF Museum at Cosford, where it underwent restoration and repainting. Over the years, the aircraft has been displayed at several RAF locations, including Hendon and Finningley.
In 1986, the Mitsubishi Kinsei 62 radial engine was restored to ground-running condition at RAF St Athan. The aircraft was later transferred back to RAF Cosford in 1989, where it was stripped to bare metal to reveal original stencil markings.It was repainted and displayed at the museum. In 2003, 16336 was moved to the RAF Museum Hendon for display in the Milestones of Flight building. In 2011, it was returned to RAF Cosford and placed on public display on 30 January 2012 .