Overview

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.

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Number 27 in their 'Top Drawings' series from Kagero, this one tackles the Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon) and known to the Allies as the 'Oscar'. First flown in December 1938 it served throughout WW2, with a series of upgrades over the years to improve engine power, protection and armament. This holds 23 pages containing a page of background information in both English and Polish which is then followed by 9 pages of excellent 3-view drawings in 1/72 covering the Ki-43-I, -II and -III with early, mid and late productions variants as appropriate. That leads to another 14 pages of 1/48 drawings and 4 pages of fine colour profiles. The final two pages of the book have 1/72 side views, and a guide to the external differences between all the different variants of the aircraft over its' production history. Finally, tucked into the book is a separate sheet which folds out to hold the scale drawings in the larger scale of 1/32 as well. --Military Modelling

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