Nakajima Hayabusa Ki-43i (Oscar)

Nakajima Hayabusa KI-43i (Oscar) Design work began on the Ki-43 in late 1937 with the Army instructing Nakajima to supersede the Type 97 Fighter Ki-27.

Design work began on the Ki-43 in late 1937 with the Army instructing Nakajima to supersede the Type 97 Fighter Ki-27. The specifications were precise and within one year the first prototype was complete. Two further aircraft were completed and test flown in 1939 and were ready for service trials. To meet the performance requirements further changes were still required to reduce the overall weight and improve manoeuvrability. The unique combat flaps were designed and handling of the aircraft was well reported on. To reduce the weight the retractable undercarriage was made from ground aluminium and the frame material changed to Alclad 24, a lighter alloy.

Very little paint was applied to keep weight at a minimum and later on this was to see a large variety of colour scheme as most Ki-43’s were sent to combat in bare aluminium, the individual units producing their own schemes of camouflage. 
 
Basic factory paint included internal corrosion protection, Hinomaru on the wings - after 1942 it became standard also on the fuselage - and the antiglare forward of the canopy. Most propellers were left bare or in dark brown prime. Individual units often colour coded the spinner and propeller to their unit colours. 
 
In Spring 1940 the two bladed wooden propeller was replaced with a metal two bladed propeller, similar to a Hamilton Standard.  
 
Production commenced in 1941 at Nakajima’s Ota plant and the Ki-43ia reached fighter units some six months later. 
 
Because of its light structure, the aircraft often disintegrated when hit, and the Type 2 Ki-43 appeared with some armour plating for the pilot and slightly reduced wing span and other improvements. 
 

About this Example

This aircraft was obtained by the Alpine Fighter Collection early in 1994 from Australia. 

Photo Album | Nakajima Hayabusa KI-43i (Oscar)

© NZFPM

© NZFPM

 
One of only six extant, it was held by the Australian War Memorial Museum in Canberra after the war, before passing through several private owners. 
 
No further details were known about this aircraft's history until its arrival in New  
Zealand. Only now, after careful research has the story unfolded. 
 
The aircraft’s original serial number is 750, and it was constructed in October-November 1942. It is possible that the machine arrived in the South West Pacific during December 1942-January 1943.  
 
There are faint markings on the tailplane and fuselage which indicate that it belonged to the 11th Sentai. The 11th were part of the 6th Hikoshidan (12th Hikodan) which was formed at Rabaul on 27th November 1942 equipped with Ki-43’s. It is therefore conceivable that this aircraft was flown in combat against New Zealanders - only further research will tell. 
 
Oscar 750 was lovingly restored over a twelve month period to taxiable condition. Its status as the only complete Mk I Hayabusa in the world meant that it would not fly again, at least while with the AFC. 
 

Departure Notes

The aircraft left the Alpine Fighter Collection in late 1999. The aircraft was sold to an undisclosed buyer, and exported from New Zealand. 
 

Photo Album | Inside the Nakajima Hayabusa KI-43i's Cockpit

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Further References

The Story of Nakajima Ki43i No. 750 (Oscar) by Prue Wallis. 
 

Specification and Profile

Length: 29' 4" Height: 10' 9" Wingspan: 35' 7" Empty Weight: 3,821 lb Gross Weight: 5,850 lb Maximum Speed: 320 mph Service Ceiling: 36,800' Range: 1,864 miles (with drop tanks) Powerplant: One Nakajima Ha-105 1,100 hp 14 cylinder radial Armament: One 12.7mm machine gun One 7.7mm machine gun External: Two 250 kg (550 lb) bombs