Aircraft · Japan · 1942-1945
Nakajima Ki-44
interceptor
Nicknamed Shoki (Demon-Queller) and codenamed Tojo by the Allies, the Ki-44 traded the nimbleness of most Japanese fighters for raw climb rate and speed, making it a dedicated bomber-interceptor. Its high wing loading and landing speed made it unforgiving for pilots trained on lighter types. It flew home-defense missions against B-29 raids in the closing year of the war.
| crew | 1 |
|---|---|
| top speed | 605 km/h |
| armament | 4x 12.7mm MG (Ki-44-II) |
| produced | 1,225 |
Pacific, China, Burma and India