FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

The Japanese Imperial Navy had the "Zero" and the Japanese Imperial Army had the "Hayabusa", sometimes called the Army Zero. The Ki-43 Hayabusa (allied code name "Oscar") was introduced in October 1941 as a replacement for the Ki-27 "Nate". It had retractable landing gear, was extremely maneuverable, and was about 12 mph faster than the Ki-27. Its biggest drawbacks were poor self-sealing fuel tanks, lack of armor plating, and light armament. The earliest Ki-43's (Ki-43-Ia) were fitted a pair of .303 inch machine guns which did not provide much firepower. One of the .303 guns was replaced with a .50 inch machine gun in the Ki-43-Ib, but soon all early versions were given a pair of .50 inch guns (Ki-43-Ic as shown below). The Ki-43-Ic version also had hard point mounts for a pair of small bombs or 45 gallon external fuel tanks. The Ki-43 was used as a general fighter serving as an interceptor as well as bomber escort throughout World War II. The Hayabusa was also used for kamikaze missions at the end of the war. Nakajima produced 716 Ki-43-I aircraft. Here's a clip from a Japanese propaganda film showing off the new Ki-43-I. If you only have a minute, watch from 1:55 to 2:55. The Oscar was crazy agile! 

NAKAJIMA Ki-43-I Hayabusa "Oscar"

 

 

 Class: Fighter

 Crew: 1

 Engine: Nakajima Ha-25 14-cylinder radial (950 hp)

 Max Speed: 308 mph at 13,125 ft

 Climb Rate:  2,983 ft/min

 Service Ceiling: 38,500 ft

 Range: 745 miles

 Armament:  2 x .50 inch machine gun (fuselage mount)

                        2 x 33 lb bombs

                   

 

  Model Scale:  1:87



















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