Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate "Frank"

Nakajima · Japan · first flew 1943 · fighter

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (Gale) was Japan's best all-around fighter of World War II, capable of matching the P-51D and P-47 at altitude while carrying heavy cannon armament.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Low-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	9.92 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Japan's finest WWII piston fighter with Nakajima Ha-45 radial
Low-wing monoplane with bubble canopy and large cowling
Heavy armament of four 20mm cannon

A compact, powerful-looking single-seat fighter with a large cowl around the big radial engine, a broad low wing, and a bubble canopy; the four-cannon armament and general proportions give it a purposeful, muscular appearance.

Specifications

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate has a length of 9.92 m (33 ft).
It has a wingspan of 11.24 m (37 ft).
Its maximum speed is 624 km/h (388 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

First flown in March 1943 and entering service in 1944, the Ki-84 was produced in large numbers and fought across the Philippines, China, and home defence. It was feared by Allied pilots for its combination of speed, climb rate, agility, and firepower.

Variants

The Ki-84-I Ko used 20mm cannon; the Ki-84-I Otsu added heavier 30mm cannon; the Ki-84-I Hei had four 30mm cannon; wooden and steel substitute material variants were built late in the war due to material shortages.

Where you'll see it

Served with the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force from 1944 until the end of the war; considered by many historians as the finest Japanese production fighter of WWII.

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