Nakajima Ki-43

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (隼, "Peregrine Falcon") was a single-engined fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II. The army designation was "Type 1 Fighter" (一式戦闘機); the Allied codename was Oscar.

The Oscar was designed to be like the Zero, but it was more lightweight and was even less rugged than its Navy counterpart.It was known for its nimble handling, and legendary for its performance in East Asia in the early years of the war. It was designed by Hideo Itokawa, who would later become famous as a pioneer of Japanese rocketry.

History

The Ki-43 why numerically are the most important fighter disposable for Army (equipped 30 sentais and 12 chutais more training units), enter in Pacific campaign in 1941 and obtain air superiority at pair of Mitsubishi A6M "Zero" of Japanese Navy, in the skies of Burma, Malaysia, and Dutch Indies. At continuing fight in China–Burma–India War Theater and all fronts why stay destined the Army Air force. Japanese Army giving certain examples at Pro-Japanese countries of Thailand, Manchukuo and Cochinchina Airforces. The Thailand units fighting in sometimes against USAAF in South China area in front line zones and during Bangkok air encounter precisely ones examples of these country with Japanese units are the first interceptor why confronted at B-29 during your first operative action against railway station and others over city.

The next version Mark 2 entered action in December 1942, the II KAI in June 1943 and Mark 3a in summer 1944 substituted at antiquated model I all take part in fights in Southeast Asia, Southeast Pacific. and China–Burma–India War Theater, Formosa, Okinawa and metropolitan defense over Japan proper. All these advanced variations joining at ancient versions are used in Kamikaze Suicide strikes against the U.S. Navy in last days of war.

After the war are putting in service some examples in limited numbers for Air Force of France in Indochina against communist rebels, Thailand and Indonesia.

Versions:

• Ki-43 (prototypes)
• Ki-43 operative prototypes
• Ki-43 Ia Hayabusa Figther Type 1 of Army (Mark 1)
• Ki-43 Ib (Mark Ib) one machine gun Ho-103 of 12.7 mm and one Machine gun type 89 of 7.7 mm
• Ki-43 Ic (mark Ic) two machine guns Ho-103 of 12.7 mm
• Ki-43 II (prototypes)
• Ki-43 II evaluative models
• Ki-43 IIa (Mark 2a) major capacity of transport bombs of 30 kg to 500 kg
• Ki-43 IIb(Mark 2b) radio equipment added
• Ki-43 II KAI modifications in cell structure
• Ki-43 III(Mark 3a) prototypes -engine Nakajima Ha-115-II of 1,230 hp (920 kW)
• Ki-43 IIIa(mark 3a) series model
• Ki-43 IIIb(mark 3b) armed with 20 mm cannons
• Ki-62 Project -Advanced interceptor version of Nakajima Ki-43 with a powerfult engine and armed with 30 or 40 mm cannons.

Total production: 5,919

Specifications

General characteristics (Ki-43-II)

• Crew : 1 (pilot)
• Wingspan : 10.84 m
• Length : 8.92 m
• Wing area : 21.40 m²
• Empty weight : 1,975 kg
• Loaded weight : 2,590 kg
• Powerplant : Nakajima Ha-115, 1130 hp (890 kW)

Performance

• Maximum Speed : 515 km/h
• Climb : 5000 m in 6 min 20 s
• Maximum altitude : 10,500 m
• Range : 2,200 km

Armament

• 2 × 12.7 machine guns in fuselage
• 2 × 250 kg bombs