Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (Japanese Peregrine Falcon) - Japanese single-engine fighter with a semi-shell metal structure of a low-wing aircraft of the Second World War. The United States Air Force nicknamed this machine "Oscar". The prototype flight took place in January 1939, and to the linear parts - in 1941. The Ki-43 Hayabusa was the most important and numerous fighter in the Japanese Air Force throughout the war. In 1939-1945, three main versions of the aircraft were created, each of which had several modifications. The first production series was the Ki-43-I with the Nakajima Ha-25 engine with a capacity of 950 hp or Ha-25 Type 99 with a capacity of 980 hp. This model of the Ki-43 turned out to be a machine in the period 1941-1942, which was definitely superior to Allied aircraft, for example, the Brewster Buffalo or P-40. At the same time, it was often confused with the famous A6M Zero. The next development was the Ki-43-II with a new, more powerful version of the Ha-25 engine, with improvised cockpit armor and self-sealing fuel tanks. The wing contour and engine mufflers were also changed. Its production began in 1942. The latest version is the Ki-43-III, equipped with a Nakajima Ha-115-II Sakae engine with a capacity of 1230 km/h. It entered service in December 1944 and was used to protect the Japanese islands from Allied air strikes and for suicide missions as a kamikaze aircraft. All versions of the Ki-43 were very popular with pilots due to their excellent flight characteristics and, above all, excellent maneuverability. Almost every ace of the Army Air Force flew the Ki-43 at some point in his career, and, moreover, won aerial victories in it. One of the best pilots of the Ki-43 was Satoshi Anabuki, who won 39 confident victories during his career. Technical data (Ki-43-II version): length: 8.92 m, wingspan: 10.84 m, height: 3.27 m, maximum speed: 548 km/h, maximum flight range: 1,760 km, maximum ceiling 11,200 m, armament: stationary - 2 Type 1 machine guns of 12.7 mm caliber, suspended - 2 bombs of 30 kg or 2 fuel tanks of 200 liters each.
