FACTOIDS & TRIVIA

Nakajima revised the Ki-43 Hayabusa (allied code name "Oscar") for a final time in mid-1944 by upgrading the engine and exhaust, as well as armament. The "thrust exhaust" improved top speed and was also used on the late model Mitsubishi A6M Zero. The Ki-43-III was the best version of the model, but as with most of the Japanese aircraft innovations, it was too little too late. Nearly all Ki-43-III aircraft were made by Tachikawa rather than Nakajima. Here's an interesting 7-minute Japanese documentary about a restored Ki-43-III (note the restoration used a non-original, but similar, American engine).

NAKAJIMA Ki-43-III Hayabusa "Oscar"

 

 

 Class: Fighter

 Crew: 1

 Engine: Nakajima Ha-115-II 14-cylinder radial (1,230 hp)

 Max Speed: 358 mph at 21,920 ft

 Climb Rate:  2,983 ft/min

 Service Ceiling: 36,725 ft

 Range: 1,988 miles

 Armament:  2 x 20mm cannon (fuselage mount)

                        2 x 550 lb bombs

                   

 

  Model Scale:  1:87



















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