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History
Tachikawa Air Base was established in 1937 as a base for the Imperial Japanese Navy. During World War II, it was used as a base for combat operations, including air raids on China, the Philippines, and other Pacific islands. In 1944, the base was bombed by the United States Army Air Forces, and in 1945, it was captured by the Allies.
After the war, Tachikawa Air Base was used by the United States Air Force as a base for transport and reconnaissance aircraft. The base was also used as a staging point for American troops during the Korean War and the Vietnam War. In 1977, the base was returned to the Japanese government and is now a public park called Tachikawa Aircraft Memorial Park.
Facilities
Tachikawa Air Base had two runways, several hangars, a control tower, and other support facilities. The base was also home to a number of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, and helicopters.
Aircraft Based at Tachikawa Air Base
* Fighters: Mitsubishi A6M Zero, Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa, and Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden
* Bombers: Mitsubishi G4M Betty, Nakajima B5N Kate, and Yokosuka P1Y Ginga
* Transport aircraft: Douglas C-47 Skytrain, Curtiss C-46 Commando, and Lockheed C-121 Constellation
* Helicopters: Sikorsky H-19 Chickasaw and Bell UH-1 Iroquois
Tachikawa Aircraft Memorial Park
Tachikawa Aircraft Memorial Park is a public park that is located on the site of the former Tachikawa Air Base. The park features a number of aircraft, including fighters, bombers, transport aircraft, and helicopters, that were used by the Imperial Japanese Navy and Army during World War II. The park also has a museum that tells the story of Tachikawa Air Base and the role it played in World War II.