Most of the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force (JAAF) fighters had been generated by Nakajima Hikoki K.K., just like the Ki-27, Ki-3 Hayabusa, and Ki-44 Shoki. Well into WWII, Nakajima focused their efforts on developing the latest Army Type 4 Fighter Hayate. Its development were only available in Dec. 1941 responding on JAAF fascination with a new general-purpose fighter, Ki-84. It was to surpass the rate and climbing ability of Ki-44 Shoki; have equal maneuverability and range towards the Ki-43 Hayabusa , and display superb assault energy. The Nakajima Ha-45 motor ended up being chosen, which was essentially the 16-cylinder Sakae motor used on the Zero fighter and Ki-43 Hayabusa, along with the following improvements: it had been risen up to 18-cylinders, made more lightweight, and had its power boosted to about 2000hp. Hayate had been also packed with 13mm armor plating and a 70mm armored windscreen, making it the initial Japanese airplane constructed with pilot security the developmental phase. In August 1943, the Hayate made its 1st sortie over Asia. Hayate fighters were later on given to battle in Philippines, Okinawa and so on. These were also utilized in japan 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 phases of WWII, the autumn in both the standard of available materials and manufacturing procedure caused a decline into the price of procedure and performance of Hayate.
