A flight of Kawasaki Ki-61 Hein, "Flying Swallow", fighters flies cover for a group of G4M "Betty" bombers that is in turn covered from below by a cloud layer. This level of relative security is a luxury. The Ki-61 was initially thought to be a German or Italian design, hence the allied nickname "Tony". The Japanese produced somewhere in the neighborhood of 3,000 units and the Ki-61 began its career with the Dolittle raid in 1942 and continued through the end of the war. Interestingly enough, the "Tony" threw a monkey wrench in the allied fighter tactics in that the Allied fliers were used to quick dives followed by a hasty getaway from earlier Japanese fighters. The "Tony", to their consternation, was maneuverable and fast and was able to pursue their adversaries. As with all advantages in war, the allied increase in bomber strength coupled with inadequate Japanese anti-aircraft soon dwindled their numbers. Also interesting to note is that the "Tony" was used to ram B-29 bombers and was successful enough for the pilots to consider it a useful tactic in practice. Beautiful Kawasaki Ki-61 "Tony" model by AlicefromLake with some texture adjustments and small mods. G4M "Betty" bombers by Neil Wilson. Thank you Neil, your generosity and good nature was very much appreciated! Models set up in PoserPro and DazStudio; composed, lighting, some texture adjustments, and rendered in DazStudio; finished in Ps Cs3.