Nakajima Ki-84

Ki-84
Ki-84 Hayate (Frank) preserved in California in 1970. As of 2014, this aircraft is displayed at a war memorial in Japan.
Role	Fighter
Manufacturer	Nakajima Aircraft Company
First flight	March 1943
Retired	1945 (Japan)
Primary user	Imperial Japanese Army Air Service
Number built	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.

Design of the Ki-84 commenced in early 1942 to meet an Imperial Japanese Army Air Service requirement for a replacement to Nakajima's own, earlier Ki-43 Oscar fighter, then just entering service. The specification recognized the need to combine the maneuverability of the Ki-43 with performance to match the best western fighters and heavy firepower. The Ki-84 first flew in March 1943 and deliveries from Nakajima's Ota factory commenced in April 1943. Although the design itself was solid, the shortage of fuel and construction materials, poor production quality, and lack of skilled pilots prevented the fighter from reaching its potential.

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