Top Drawings, No. 27

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The Nakajima Ki-43 was the successor of?the company's earlier successful design – the Ki-27 Nate. The new fighter was being developed from 1937 by a team of?engineers led by Hideo Itokawa, the designer of?the Ki-27. The first prototype (s/n 4301) was completed on 12th December 1938. Despite some initial problems, after introducing several modifications (combat flaps, which enhanced the aircraft's manoeuvrability, among others) the Ki-43 was approved for production under the designation of?Fighter Type 1 Model 1. The aircraft was also officially named Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon). In?the American identification system of?Japanese aircraft It?was branded 'Oscar'. The Ki-43 was much more advanced than its predecessor, the Ki-27. It?was powered by 14-cylinder, two-row Nakajima Ha-25 radial engine rated at 980 hp, featured enclosed cockpit, retractable undercarriage, and was armed with two 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns. Although underarmed, It?was a potent weapon when flown by a skilful pilot.