VQ Models - Kawasaki Hein Ki 61 .46 SizeThe overall similarity between the Kawasaki Ki 61i single seat fighter and the Messerschmitt Bf 109 led to an Allied belief that the Japanese aircraft was, in fact, a licence built version of Messerschmitt's famous fighter. There was, however no truth in this suggestion, but the Kawasaki Ki 61i was powered by a licence build version of the Daimler Benz DB 601A, Kawasaki's first example of this engine , designated Ha 40, being completed in mid 1941.