Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate

National origin:- Japan

Role:- Fighter

Manufacturer:- Nakajima Aircraft Company

First flight:- March 1943

Introduction:- 1945 (Japan)

Retired:- 1945 (Japan)

Primary users:-   Imperial Japanese Army Air Service

Produced between 1940 - 1945:- 3,514

Variants:- Nakajima Ki-116

The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate (キ84 疾風'Gale') was a single-seat fighter used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service in World War II. The Allied reporting name was 'Frank'; the Japanese Army designation was Army Type 4 Fighter (四式戦闘機 yon-shiki-sentō-ki). Featuring excellent performance and high maneuverability, the Ki-84 was considered to be the best Japanese fighter to see large scale operations during World War II. It was able to match any Allied fighter, and to intercept the high-flying B-29 Superfortresses. Its powerful armament (that could include two 30 mm and two 20 mm cannon) increased its lethality. Though hampered by poor production quality in later models, a high-maintenance Nakajima Homare engine, landing gear prone to buckle, inconsistent fuel quality, and a lack of experienced pilots above all else, Hayates proved to be fearsome opponents; a total of 3,514 were built. The Ki-84 was the fastest fighter in the Imperial Japanese military if good fuel was used and the aircraft was in good shape.