Nakajima Ki-44

The Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki (鍾馗、"Demon") was a single-engined fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II, first flying in August 1940 and entering service in 1942. The Allied codename was "Tojo"; the Japanese Army designation was "Type 2 single-seat fighter" (二式単座戦闘機).

In contrast to its predecessor, the nimble Ki-43, the Ki-44 was designed for speed and climbing ability, and was used to intercept high-flying B-29 bombers. With its poor visibility, weak armament, and high landing speed, it was generally disliked by pilots; its oversized engine and diminutive tail made it one of the more unattractive craft of its class.

History

your operative life cominzed with one experimental Chutai with base in China in summer 1942 with 9 airplanes. more later used in defense of Petrol Pits in Sumatra in Southeast asia and China-Burma-India Operative war teathers,Japanese metropolitan defense and Kamikaze operations in last stages of war.the 2c versions armed with heavy cannons having used against B-29 jointly at one kamikaze Chutai unit specialized in bomber boarding with Collision tactics,the Shinten unit,during defense of Tokyo.this aircraft equiped ones eigth sentais,encountered in replace process at Nakajima Ki-84 when occured the final of conflict.Manchoukouan Airforce receiving somes examples of these airplane during wartimes.

Variants

Ki-44 Type I was powered by a 930 kW (1,250 hp) Nakajima Ha-41 engine, and had a maximum speed of 580 km/h (363 mph). Armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Type I machine guns and 2 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns placed in the wing.

Ki-44 Type II had a 1,074 kW (1,440 hp) Nakajima Ha-109 engine with a top speed of 604 km/h (378 mph), and four 12.7 mm Type I machine guns.

Later developments raised engine power to 1,343 kW (1,800 hp), and some versions were armed with 40mm cannon.

Other versions

Ki-44 Prototype
Ki-44 Model preseries for evaluation
Ki-44 Ia Figther Type 2 of Army.(Mark Ia)
Ki-44 Ib Mark Ib
Ki-44 Ic modified version
Ki-44 II prototype—engine Nakajima Ha-109 of 1,520 hp (1130 kW)
Ki-44 IIa Mark 2a
Ki-44 IIb
Ki-44 IIc (Mark 2c) first version with heavy armament.

four 20 mm cannons Ho-3 or two 12.77 mm machine guns Ho-103 and two 40 mm cannons Ho-307

Ki-44 IIIa (Mark 3a) engine of 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) and four 20 mm cannons Ho-5
Ki-44 IIIb (Mark 3b) two 20 mm cannons Ho-5 and two 37 mm cannons Ho-203

Total production: 1,225

Specifications (Ki-44-IIb)

General Characteristics

Crew: one, pilot
Length: 8.80 m (28 ft 10 in)
Wingspan: 9.45 m (31 ft 0 in)
Height: 3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)
Wing area: 15 m² (161 ft²)
Empty: 2,105 kg (4,641 lb)
Loaded: 2,995 kg (6,602 lb)
Maximum takeoff: kg ( lb)
Powerplant: 1x Nakajima Ha-109 radial engine, 1,133 kW (1519 hp)

Performance

Maximum speed: 605 km/h (376 mph)
Range: 1,700 km (1,060 miles)
Service ceiling: 11,200 m (36,750 ft)
Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
Wing loading: 200 kg/m² (41 lb/ft²)
Power/Mass: 0.38 kW/kg (0.13 hp/lb)

Armament

4x 12.7 mm Type I machine guns