The majority of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) fighters was at reality produced by Nakajima Hikoki K.K., just like the Ki-27, Ki-3 Hayabusa, and Ki-44 Shoki. Well into WWII, Nakajima concentrated their efforts on developing the newest Army Type 4 Fighter Hayate. Its development was just obtainable in Dec. 1941 responding on JAAF wish to have a fresh general-purpose fighter, Ki-84. It absolutely was to surpass the price and climbing capability of Ki-44 Shoki; have in fact equal maneuverability and range towards the Ki-43 Hayabusa , and show superb assault energy. The Nakajima Ha-45 engine finished up being plumped for, that has been simply the 16-cylinder Sakae motor applied to the Zero fighter and Ki-43 Hayabusa, combined with the following improvements: it was increased to 18-cylinders, made more lightweight, and had its power boosted to about 2000hp. Hayate have been also full of 13mm armor plating and a 70mm armored windscreen, making this 1st Japanese airplane designed with pilot safety the developmental stage. In August 1943, the Hayate made its first sortie over Asia. Hayate fighters had been a while later provided to battle in Philippines, Okinawa etc. They certainly were also used in japan mainland to intercept and destroy incoming B29 bombers. Including two 12.7mm fuselage device gun/two wing mounted 20mm cannon prepared bomber destroyer-interceptor, about 3500 Hayates were produced. In final stages of WWII, the autumn both into the typical of available materials and manufacturing procedure caused a decline towards the price of procedure and gratification of Hayate.
