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