Nakajima Type 97 Fighter / Ki-27 (Nate)
Technical Information
Background
Initially conceived of as a private venture design by Nakajima corporation, the Ki-27 debuted and was accepted by the Japanese Army and entered service in 1937. The fighter was very maneuverable and fast, but lacked self-sealing fuel tanks, pilot protection and had only two 7.7mm machine guns.
Wartime History
Nicknamed 'Nate' or 'Abdul' by the Allies. In the early years, the Ki-27 enjoyed a period of success against the Chinese and Allied fighter pilots in the early Pacific war. As Allied fighter designed continued to improve, aircraft like the Ki-27 was relegated to second line duty, training or kamikaze use. Also, the Mansyu Ki-79 trainer version built by Manshūkoku Hikōki Seizo KK, in four sub-versions.
Export
The Ki-27 was also exported for use by the armed forces of Manchukuo and Thailand and saw combat with both.
Production
Ki-27a aproximately 565 were built.
Ki-27b a total of 1,492 were built (50 by Tachikawa Aircraft Company Ltd)
Ki-79 a total of 1,329 were built
Technical Details
Crew One (pilot)
Engine One Nakajima Ha-1b air-cooled radial engine, 485 kW (650 hp)
Span 11.3
m
Length 7.53 m
Height 3.25
m
Maximum Speed 292 mph
Range 395 miles
Armament (nose) 2 × 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns with 500 rounds/gun
Or, (nose)
1 x 12.7 machine gun and 1 x 7.7 machine gun on later models
Bomb Load (wing racks) 100 kg (220 lbs) of bombs
Or, 500 kg (1,100 lb) of bombs as kamikaze
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