Most of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) fighters were produced by Nakajima Hikoki K.K., like the Ki-27, Ki-3 Hayabusa, and Ki-44 Shoki. Well into WWII, Nakajima focused their efforts on developing the newest Army Type 4 Fighter Hayate. Its development started in Dec. 1941 responding on JAAF interest in a new general-purpose fighter, Ki-84. It was to surpass the speed and climbing ability of Ki-44 Shoki; possess equal maneuverability and range towards the Ki-43 Hayabusa , and display superb assault energy. The Nakajima Ha-45 engine ended up being plumped for, that was simply the 16-cylinder Sakae motor used on the Zero fighter and Ki-43 Hayabusa, aided by the after improvements: it was risen to 18-cylinders, made more lightweight, and had its power boosted to about 2000hp. Hayate was also loaded with 13mm armor plating and a 70mm armored windscreen, rendering it the very first Japanese airplane built with pilot protection the developmental stage. In August 1943, the Hayate made its very first sortie over China. Hayate fighters were later provided for fight in Philippines, Okinawa an such like. These were additionally used in the Japanese mainland to intercept and destroy incoming B29 bombers. Including two 12.7mm fuselage machine gun/two wing mounted 20mm cannon prepared bomber destroyer-interceptor, about 3500 Hayates were produced. In final stages of WWII, the fall in both the caliber of available materials and production procedure caused a decline in the price of procedure and performance of Hayate.
