In December 1937, just as the Nakajima Type 97 Fighter (Ki-27) was officially adopted, the Japanese Army instructed Nakajima to begin work on the prototype for the next-generation fighter, the Ki-43.
The first prototype was completed in December of the following year. Flight tests showed that while its maximum speed was about 30 km/h faster than the Type 97, its maneuverability was inferior, making it seem inadequate as a successor.
Over the next few years, the design underwent various modifications, including changes to the wing area and engine. By September 1940, 13 aircraft (3 prototypes and 10 pre-production models) were completed, but they still failed to convince the Army, which prioritized dogfighting.
However, the Army General Staff was planning the Southern invasion and believed a long-range fighter was essential to support convoys during the attack on Singapore. The Ki-43, on the verge of being rejected, was seen as a potential long-range fighter.
In April 1941, the modified aircraft were tested and successfully met the range requirements. They also proved to be excellent in vertical dogfighting, leading to their official adoption as the Type 1 Fighter in May 1941. Between June and August of that year, the 59th Flying Regiment received about 30 of the Model I aircraft, which were deployed to Burma and contributed significantly to the initial campaign's rapid success.
The Type 1 Fighter Model II featured an upgraded Ha-115 engine and a more refined airframe, improving its overall performance. When the Model II was deployed, it performed well against opponents like the Buffalo, Hurricane, and P-40. However, it struggled against later Allied fighters like the Spitfire and P-38. Despite this, the Hayabusa was considered the easiest of all Japanese Army fighters to operate and had a high operational readiness rate, so production continued until the end of the war.
Specifications:
- Crew: 1
- Wingspan: 11.437m
- Length: 8.832m (in level flight)
- Height: 3.27m (in level flight)
- Loaded Weight: 2,048kg
- Engine: Nakajima Ha-25
- Takeoff Power: 990 hp
- Range: 1,200km
- Maximum Speed: 495 km/h at 4,000m
- Armament:
- Model I-A: 2 x 7.7mm machine guns
- Model I-B: 1 x 12.7mm machine gun, 1 x 7.7mm machine gun
- Model I-C: 2 x 12.7mm machine guns