The Mindset Behind the Development Process of the Imperial Japanese Army Fighter Aircraft: Part #1 "Hayabusa" & "Shoki"

Let's begin with what Francillon has to say about the "Hayabusa":

"Design work on the Hayabusa began in December 1937 when the Army, giving up their long-standing policy of awarding competitive contracts to Japanese manufacturers, instructed Nakajima Hikoki K.K. to design a single-seat fighter to supersede the Army Type 97 Fighter (Nakajima Ki-27)."

And about the "Shoki":

"Shortly after instructing Nakajima to proceed with the design of the Ki-43, the Koku Hombu gave them their specification for an interceptor fighter. In a pronounced departure from previous Japanese standards, speed and climb rate were emphasized at the expense of manoeuvrability. The Ki-44, as the project became known,..."

The English Wikipedia entries heavily rely on Francillon and basically repeat the above.

But let's see what the Japanese Wikipedia has to say about the mindset behind the development of these two fighters and the "Army Aviation Weapons Research Policies":

The Nakajima-built Type 97 Fighter (Ki-27 "Nate"), officially adopted in December 1937, featured an ambitious design—the Army's first all-metal, low-wing monoplane—despite its conservative fixed landing gear. It was an excellent dogfighter with superior climb rates and maneuverability. However, by the time the Type 97 appeared, the Bf 109 (Germany) and Spitfire (UK)—both featuring retractable landing gear—had already emerged in Europe, prompting the Army to explore the development of new fighters.

In the "Army Aviation Weapons Research Policy" for the 1937 fiscal year—formulated by the Army Aviation Headquarters while the Ki-27 was under development—single-seat fighters were defined in two categories: "machine-gun equipped" and "autocannon equipped." The aircraft developed in accordance with these specifications were the Ki-43 (for the former category) and the Ki-44 (for the latter). 

The "Army Aviation Weapons Research Policy" for the 1938 fiscal year further refined these categories into "Light Single-Seat Fighter" and "Heavy Single-Seat Fighter" and added a third: the long-range two-seat fighter based on the concept of a twin-engine multi-role fighter. 

Based on this, instructions for the research and development of both "light" and "heavy" fighters were issued to Nakajima, Kawasaki, and Mitsubishi; Nakajima’s responses were the Ki-43 (Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa") for the light fighter category and the Ki-44 (Type 2 Fighter "Shoki") for the heavy fighter category (Chief Engineer Koyama Yasushi led the design teams for both). Aoki Kunio, an engineer on the Ki-43 design team, stated that while the "Hayabusa" was also intended to be a heavy fighter (modeled after the Bf 109), the team's lack of experience in heavy fighter development resulted in it becoming a light fighter instead. 

Although proponents of light fighters argued that the Ki-44 was unnecessary, the development process—which had previously stalled—was revitalized following lessons learned during the Nomonhan Incident in 1939. Combat experience showed that Soviet Red Air Force fighters were effectively employing "hit-and-run" tactics, creating a recognized need for a cutting-edge fighter capable of executing such attacks and pursuing high-speed aircraft like the I-16.

According to FAOW #65 the attached photo features:

"the third (aircraft number 4303) of the three Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar) prototypes built in 1939. Its shape differs considerably from that seen in full-scale models and drawings due to modifications and upgrades made to the prototype aircraft from late autumn of 1940 to early 1941. The rear fuselage, canopy, and the position of the slightly longer antenna mast, among other things, became almost identical to the production model. However, the flaps were still of the split type, and the armament covers and muzzles remained for 7.7mm guns. The reason why only two fuselage stripes were painted on the third prototype is unknown."

But note the very unusual yellow (?) band starting from the canopy side and continuing on the wing.

Unlike the Ki-43, the Ki-44 faced delays; the Army and the manufacturers lacked experience with heavy fighters, making it difficult even to finalize basic specifications, and consequently, its development schedule was prioritized below that of the Ki-43. Before the Army had even issued its formal performance requirements, Nakajima proceeded with development by setting the Bf 109 as a benchmark. According to Aoki, the "Shoki" was intended as an insurance measure in case the "Hayabusa" was not adopted, and it possessed strong characteristics of an experimental aircraft. This nature allowed Nakajima to incorporate new technologies and concepts into the "Shoki".

Drawing on lessons from the Nomonhan Incident and research into Western aircraft trends, the Army recognized the importance of protective measures. Consequently, the Ki-44 was equipped not only with fire-resistant fuel tanks (self-sealing tanks featuring a multi-layered rubber casing to prevent leakage and ignition upon impact—a feature the Army had previously ordered Nakajima to install starting with the Ki-43 prototype) but also, for the first time on a Japanese fighter, a 13 mm thick armor plate behind the pilot's seat for protection. This armor plating covered the headrest and backrest areas, with a total weight of 60 kg.

At the initial development stage, the armament requirements called for one fixed cannon and two fixed machine guns. The configuration consisted of two 12.7 mm cannons (Ho-103 Type 1 Fixed 12.7 mm Cannon)—utilizing newly developed high-explosive ammunition—mounted in the wings, and two conventional 7.7 mm machine guns (Type 89 Fixed Machine Gun) in the nose. It also featured a retractable tailwheel, a rarity among Army aircraft.

The prototype made its maiden flight on June 4, 1940. However, due to insufficient engine performance and numerous technical issues, various improvements were implemented. However, compared to conventional fighters, it was inferior in turning performance; the large-diameter engine resulted in poor forward visibility; and its high stall speed necessitated high-speed landings. On the other hand, it demonstrated excellent accuracy in firing tests, and in mock dogfights held in the summer of 1941 against a Bf 109 E-7 imported from Germany, the Ki-44's overall performance surpassed that of the Bf 109 E. Consequently, it was deemed a valuable asset capable of countering the latest Western fighters, though it remained unpopular among many veteran pilots who favored agile dogfighting capabilities.

According to FAOW #16 the attached photo features:

"the first prototype Nakajima Ki-44 "Shoki", serial number 4401, completed in August 1940. The photograph was taken in December of the same year at Tachikawa Airfield during operational testing, and the tail section of what appears to be the second prototype is visible on the far right of the frame. Due to the lack of a suitable high-powered engine, it was equipped with the Nakajima "Ha-41" (1,250 hp), a large-diameter bomber engine, resulting in an extremely wide nose. Only the first prototype differs from the second and subsequent prototypes in its cowling shape, cowl flaps, the air outlet immediately behind them, and exhaust pipes. The paint scheme is the Army's basic gray-green, and the stripe on the rear of the fuselage indicates that it is the first prototype."

In the "Army Aviation Weapons Research Policy" for the 1940 fiscal year, the "heavy" versus "light" fighter distinctions were explicitly codified. The "Heavy Fighter" evolved into the primary, all-purpose fighter—featuring high speed, heavy armament, superior range, and robust armor protection—capable of engaging both enemy fighters and bombers. Conversely, the "Light Fighter" was relegated to the role of an auxiliary fighter, prioritizing dogfighting but accepting compromises in performance and equipment to focus primarily on combat against other fighters. 

In December 1941, Nakajima received a preliminary directive for the Ki-84 as an advanced iteration of the "Heavy Fighter"; this aircraft was later officially adopted as the Type 4 Fighter "Hayate". This aircraft emerged as the definitive, all-purpose fighter, excelling in speed, armament, armor protection, range, maneuverability, handling, and ease of production. 

In the subsequent "Army Aviation Weapons Research Policy" for the 1943 fiscal year, the distinction between "light fighters" and "heavy fighters" was abolished; the "light fighter"—already an obsolete compromise—was absorbed into the "heavy fighter" category and redesignated as the "short-range fighter" (or "Kinsen"). That same policy introduced additional categories: "long-range fighter" ("Ensen"), "high-altitude fighter" ("Kohsen"), and "night fighter" ("Yasen").

P.S. This piece should teach a lesson to those who rely only on English sources, especially antiquated ones, and completely ignore the work of Japanese aviation historians!

Nakajima Ki-43-I "Hayabusa" (Oscar) by Kenneth Henderson

Nichimo 1/48 Nakajima Ki-43-I "Oscar". I really had fun building this 51-year-old kit, which is definitely a better option than the Hasegawa early "Oscar". The only real drawback of this kit is the shallow wheel wells. Some will not like all of the rivets, but they are really well done, and after a coat of paint, they look pretty good! 

I was told years ago not to use all the interior parts for the engine mounts, etc., as they will never be seen once the model is completed. I totally forgot about this and ended up removing all of mine from the firewall and drilling a hole to mount a tube to which the engine could be attached. 

I painted the model with Gunze and MRP lacquer and weathered it with oils. I started out with Aeromaster decals, but ended up painting all of the stripes and using National Markings from Rising, as the Aeromaster decals are not quite accurate when looking at the photos of this machine in FAOW #13. 

The color scheme represents a 1st Hiko-Sentai Ki-43-I flown by Major Takeda Kinshiro from Hanoi, Indochina, in October 1942.

- Kenneth Henderson - 

Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar), Philippines

Our friend Danny Jackett recently sent over the photo below that features a Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar) and asked for further information.

It's a Model 2 Otsu that was found at Clark Field in the Philippines in pretty good condition and was brought to the Allied Technical Air Intelligence Unit (ATAIU) South West Pacific Area area for evaluation.

Could the wing tip be in yellow or white?

In this photo we can see the same "Hayabusa" in the foreground, a 27 Sentai Kawasaki Ki-45 "Toryu" (Nick) numbered "86" and a 208 Sentai Kawasaki Ki-48-IIa "Lily".

The similarity of the models, the camouflage pattern and the presence of two drop tanks under the wing suggest that in this and the next photo we see the same "Hayabusa" seen in the previous photos. Note the yellow(?) cowling lip and the difference between the color of the cowling lip and the IFF stripe on the landing gear cover.

Note in all photos that the fuselage hinomaru has a thin white border and that it was applied over the camouflage, suggesting that this aircraft left the factory without a fuselage hinomaru.

There are also no unit tail markings, so this one was probably a replacement.

Danny Jackett also mentioned: note the repair or unusual painted panel to the upper rear fuselage spine - no camouflage in that area.

Nakajima Ki-27 "Nate", 204 Sentai, "Kato Hayabusa Sento-tai" - video

At the start of the iconic 1944 film "Kato Hayabusa Sento-tai," Colonel Kato (portrayed by actor Fujita Susumu) arrives at the 64 Sentai base in Canton, China, from Taiwan, flying a Nakajima Ki-27 "Nate."

The markings on the fighter show that it belonged to the Kyodo Hiko 204 Sentai.

Let's begin with the unit history. The 204 Sentai is a unit that engaged in significant combat during WWII, yet it remains relatively obscure, probably due to the scarcity of surviving photographic material.

On April 8, 1942, the Kyodo 204 Hiko Sentai (204th Training Squadron), comprising two chutai equipped with Nakajima Ki-27 "Nate" fighters (a third chutai was formed in October), was organised at the Zhenxi Airfield near Hakujoshi (present-day Baicheng) in western Manchuria (present-day Northeast China). Together with the Kyodo 206th Sentai, consisting of two light bomber chutai, it formed the Hakujoshi Kyodo Hikodan (Baichengzi Training Wing). 

In September 1943, due to the attrition of air units fighting in  South Asia, the 204th was also ordered to deploy to the Burma front. After returning to Kashiwa Airfield in Chiba Prefecture in October and converting to Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar) Model II, it arrived at Mingaladon Airfield on the outskirts of Rangoon in late November, via Taiwan, French Indochina, and Singapore. From there, it engaged in the Rangoon Air Battle in early December, the attacks on Calcutta and Tinsukia in India, the assault on Kunming deep within mainland China, and the offensives on Akyab and Maungdaw, achieving considerable results. 

On February 22, 1944, by Army Order No. 24, the Kyodo 204 Hiko Sentai was redesignated as the 204th Sentai and reorganised into a purely combat unit. With the commencement of the Imphal Operation, the 204th, alongside the veteran 50th and 64th Sentai born of the Burma air campaign, fought in various locations, fulfilling its duties well. However, the operation ended in a crushing defeat for the Japanese forces. The 204th withdrew to Don Mueang in Thailand in early August, entering a period of rest and recovery. 

However, by early October, the situation in the Philippine theatre had become critical and the 204 received orders to deploy there. Without sufficient time for full recovery, it moved with 18 aircraft to Nielson Airfield, outside Manila on Luzon Island, on the 11th. During the air battle over Manila on the 15th, six aircraft were shot down early on, and seven more were severely or moderately damaged on the ground, resulting in the loss of the majority of its strength. Nevertheless, it was immediately replenished, and on the 18th, 13 aircraft advanced to Fabrica Airfield on Negros Island. From there, they engaged in ship attacks using bomb armament, the assault on Leyte Island, and convoy escort duties. However, their strength rapidly depleted, and by around November 10, they had no operational aircraft left. 

On the 12th, the unit was ordered to return to the mainland. The survivors arrived at Mito Airfield in Ibaraki Prefecture aboard transport aircraft. During the month-long campaign in the Philippines, the squadron lost 17 pilots. After receiving replacements of Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar)  Model III at Mito and restoring its strength, the 204th was again ordered south. 

By the end of February 1945, it had assembled in Saigon, French Indochina. However, the strength of 24 aircraft upon departure from Mito had dwindled to only about 10 by the time they reached Saigon due to en route breakdowns. The deterioration of equipment from mass production and the decline in crew proficiency were keenly felt. In French Indochina, the squadron primarily provided escort for transport convoys bound for the home islands. In late July, preparing for the decisive battle on the mainland, it moved to Taiwan to join the later-arriving squadrons, but defeat came shortly thereafter.

These two stills from the movie "Kato Hayabusa Sento-tai" give us a very clear impression of the unit's rather atypical marking(s) consisting of a forward pointing "arrow" on the fuselage and, in this case, two white bands and probably the white tip of the tail.

Here's the story behind the forward pointing "arrow". The unit's original base was called "Chinzei" in Japanese and the same kanji were used as an older name for Kyushu Island in Japan. A famous samurai archer, Minamoto no Tametomo who was "known in the epic chronicles as a powerful archer and it is said that he once sunk an entire Taira ship with a single arrow by puncturing its hull below the waterline. It is also added in many legends that his left arm was about 4 inches longer than his right, enabling a longer draw of the arrow, and more powerful shots."(!!!!), used to call himself "Chinzei Hachiro Tametomo" to denote he was from Kyushu. Therefore the 204 unit marking is an illustration of a "hane", the fletches of the traditional Japanese arrow.

Note that the particular aircraft has not uniform top surfaces. Either it's uneven older and weathered paint or more likely it's camouflage (or perhaps a combination of both). The camouflage could be light brown patches over the standard overall IJAAF hairyokushoku (gray green) or mustard yellow and light brown patches. Leave a comment with your thoughts on this.

As we saw in the unit history above, in October 1943, the 204 relocated to Kashiwa Airfield, in Chiba, Japan, to change its "Nates" to "Oscars" before being deployed in Southeast Asia. The film "Kato Hayabusa" premiered in theaters on March 9, 1944, just before the date the 204 updated its aircraft. It seems they discovered an old 204 Sentai "Nate," possibly at Kashiwa Airfield, and just incorporated it into the film.

In these two stills, of interest are the two crossing "lines" on the canopy. What could they be?

In the top still we can also see that the "Nate" is equipped on the wing with a gun camera.

It's a 35mm Type 1 Training gun camera manufactured by "Roku O Sya", later "Konishi-Roku" (modern day Konica). Photo from here: DO NOT FORGET to visit the site!!!

The DNK publication "Nippon Rikugun Sentoki-tai Senreki to Hiko Sentai Shiwa" (The Imperial Japanese Army Fighter Group) features 204 Sentai "Nate" artwork by artist Yoshino Yasutaka. Similar artwork has appeared in various publications in the past but without any accompanying photographic evidence. There is some uncertainty regarding how the various 204 chutai were indicated in the markings. Some Japanese researchers mention that the color of the "hane" changed, indicating 1st Chutai - white, 2nd Chutai - red, 3rd Chutai - yellow. Others explain that the whole marking set changed color depending on the chutai.

In the "Kato Hayabusa" movie, we can see that the "Nate" has two white bands on the fuselage around the "hane." Did that indicate different shotai within the chutai or different chutai? There is just not enough photographic evidence to draw conclusions.

During its deployment in Burma, the "Hayabusa" equipped 204 Sentai continued to use the same unit markings, as indicated by these photos featuring a Nakajima Ki-43 Model 2 Koh Late Type captured by Allied forces in the Lashio region of Burma in March 1945. Note that the wing tips are also painted white, perhaps one more unit marking indicating different chutai?

The same aircraft is featured in these two photos that were on sale on Ebay. Note the absence of bands around the fuselage "hane" but also the presence of a thin white band between the "hane" and the hinomaru which seems to have a very roughly applied border. Note that the white paint on the top wing tips is not repeated on the bottom and the white tipped spinner.

Artist Nohara Shigeru included a profile of this aircraft (?) in Model Art #595. If it's the same aircraft the depiction of the spinner is unfortunately innacurate. Perhaps only the very top photo of the four was available at the time the artwork was created?

According to some sources, the unit changed its markings in February 1944, when it was renamed "204 Sentai." This time, they consisted of a thick band running along the forward edge of the tail and an individual aircraft number on the rudder. Again, it is not exactly clear which color combinations were used to indicate the different chutai. The photo features a Model 3 "Hayabusa" found at Matsuyama Airfield, Taiwan, in August 1945.

Again, artist Nohara Shigeru included a profile of this aircraft in Model Art #595.

Fine Molds has released a kit in 1/48 FC05, that features this particular aircraft on the box cover but note the unfortunate iff stripes not following the shape of the wing's leading edge.

Radek Pelikán spotted in his archive another 204 "Hayabusa" photo, this one believed to be of the unit commander Maj Aizawa Torashiro. Thanks a lot Radek!

Nohara-san also included in Model Art #595 a profile of the aircraft of the above aircraft. 

Finally, Nohara-san created artwork for one more 204 "Hayabusa," featured in Koku Fan Illustrated #42. As before, I don't know of any photos of this aircraft, so I can't confirm the unit markings or the paint scheme.

Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar), "Tsubasa no Gaika" - video

A clip today from the movie "Tsubasa no Gaika" featuring a Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" with Okawa Takashi, played by actor Tsukita Ichiro* "in the cockpit"**. An absolute pleasure to see a "Hayabusa" doing all these aerobatics! 

A shortened version of the clip has appeared on various FB pages without the original sound or any credit. The info below is from the Japanese Wiki:

『Tsubasa no Gaika』 (The Triumph of Wings) is a war film produced by Toho and released on 15 October 1942.

Synopsis

Two boys, orphaned at a young age when their father—a pilot and aviation engineer—perished in a storm during a crash, were raised as foster brothers by the wife of the crashed pilot. The elder brother aspired to become a juvenile air cadet and rose to become an ace pilot (fighter pilot) in the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. The younger brother, after training at an aircrew training school, developed into a test pilot for the Nakajima Aircraft Company's Ki-43 (later the Type 1 Fighter "Hayabusa") at Nakajima Aircraft, growing into test pilot who excel both in development and on the battlefield. 

The narrative weaves in the untold story of developing the Army's primary fighter of the era. By featuring stepbrothers who pursue distinct paths – one as an Army pilot, the other as a civilian pilot – it crafts a success story depicting their growth: one as a frontline soldier, the other as a civilian on the home front. Furthermore, by introducing a widow who watches over the two men, it illustrates the mindset of the beautiful Yamato Nadeshiko, the quintessential Japanese woman, during wartime. 

The film was sponsored by the Army Air Headquarters. All aircraft used in filming were actual aircraft, with the exception of some special effects scenes. Furthermore, the aircraft's details, such as the sighting device and oil cooler, scenes from engine start-up through take-off to landing, and aerobatic flight, are depicted with remarkable clarity. The "Hayabusa", arguably the third protagonist, is filmed extensively and without omission over a long duration, making this work akin to a promotional video for the "Hayabusa". In this respect, it stands alongside the 1940 film "Burning Skies" and the 1944 film "Kato's Hayabusa Fighter Squadron" – both of which also utilised real aircraft extensively for filming – as an extremely valuable visual historical document. 

Furthermore, the screenplay was co-written by Akira Kurosawa, who would later become a world-renowned director, and Bōhei Toyama. The special effects scenes, like those in contemporary war films such as "The Battle of Hawaii-Malay" and "The Kato Hayabusa Combat Squadron", were handled by Eiji Tsuburaya. However, due to the cooperation of the Army, many scenes featured actual aircraft, meaning the special effects scenes were limited to crashes and shoot-downs. 

Director: Yamamoto Satsuo

Screenplay: Toyama Bonpei, Kurosawa Akira

Cast: Oka Jōji, Tsukita Ichirō, Irie Takako

Music: Hattori Ryōichi

Cinematography: Kanakura Taiichi

Production Company: Toho Film

Released 15 October 1942

Running time 109 minutes 

The dialogue between the pilot and ground crew members goes like this:

GC1: Hatsudoki no choshi was do deshita 

         (How was the engine?)

P: Aa, ii yo 

   (Oh, it was fine)

GC1: Ah so desu ka 

       (Oh, really!)

GC2: Dodai guwai wa? 

        (How do you feel?)

P: Kesaku da yo 

   (Great!)

PC2: Kaji no kiki wa? 

       (How about the controls?)

P: Mmm, ii, shikashi teppo tsunde minai to wakaran na, ima wa sukoshi karui kara 

(Hmmm, good but I'm not sure without having the guns installed, 'cause it's a bit light now) 

GC2: Sore mo so da. Shindo wa? 

       (That's right. Any vibration?)

P: Daijobu da 

   (It's okay)

GC2: Hatsudoki no kaiten wa 

       (how is the engine behaving?)

P: Yoku wo ieba, sukoshi tarinai kimo suru kedo, ma tonikaku kesaku dayo. Hisashiburi ni omou zombun tonde mita yo! 

(If I'm being picky, it feels a tad underpowered, but it's a masterpiece nonetheless. It's been ages since I've flown to my heart's content!)

*Shortly after the end of the war, on September 27, 1945, he died from methanol poisoning. He was only 35 years old.

**At 00:47 and 02:35 he is actually sitting in the rear cockpit of a Tachikawa Ki-55 trainer. But from 04:21 he is indeed bringing the plane to a standstill on his own!!!

BRAND NEW sets from "RISING DECALS"

"RISING DECALS" has just released five(!!!) new sets of decals in 1/72 and 1/48. They are mostly for Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar) models but there are some other fighter types as well. Very very interesting sets and a special thank you to Mirek for the review samples!

RD72-113 “25th Hiko Sentai”

1/72 Scale, Japanese Army Fighters Used by 25th Hiko Sentai (Ki-43 and Ki-84)

This decal sheet includes 12 camouflage schemes

RD72-114 “59th Hiko Sentai”

1/72 Scale, Japanese Army Fighters Used by 59th Hiko Sentai (Ki-27, Ki-43, Ki-61 and Ki-100)

This decal sheet includes 14 camouflage schemes

RD48-038 “Ki-43 over New Guinea and the Solomons” Pt.I

1/48 Scale, Japanese Army Fighter Ki-43 used by 13th, 24th, 59th, 77th and 248th Hiko Sentai

This decal sheet includes 5 camouflage schemes

RD48-039 “Ki-43 over New Guinea and the Solomons” Pt.II

1/48 Scale, Japanese Army Fighter Ki-43 used by 1st, 11th, 24th and 63rd Hiko Sentai

This decal sheet includes 5 camouflage schemes

RD48-040 “Ki-43 over New Guinea and the Solomons” Pt.III

1/48 Scale, Japanese Army Fighter Ki-43 used by 24th, 33rd, 63rd and 59th Hiko Sentai

This decal sheet includes 5 camouflage schemes

"Toraware no Nihonki" #18 - Hankow, China 漢口, 中国

A collection of Japanese aircraft types found at the end of the war at Hankow Airfield.

Kawasaki Ki-48 "Lily" with Green crosses. Of interest are the areas that have been darkened out. On the fuselage, between the green cross and the tail, it would normaly be the place where an "aikoku" (patriotic donation) inscription would be placed.

The same "Lily" seen in the previous photo. It's rather interesting that there is no big tail marking that has been erased and that it has no camouflage. Could it be a newly arrived aircraft from the Hokkota school?

The same "Lily" in the foreground with more aircraft visible in the background.

In this not so famous photo, we can clearly see some of the aircraft next to the "Lily". A Nakajima Ki-84 "Hayate" (Frank) belonging to the 25th Sentai. The unit was organized in November 1942 and until 1945 it was equipped with Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" (Oscar) fighters. Starting from February 1945 and for a month, it was re-equipped with "Hayate". This one in the photo belonged to the 2nd Chutai.

In this photo we can clearly the aircraft next to the "Hayate" in the previous photo; it's a Nakajima Ki-43 "Hayabusa" that also belonged to the 25th Sentai but served with the 1st Chutai. Note the unusual uneven size of the tail number.

Next to the "Hayabusa" in the previous photo, is a Fokker Super Universal. Notice the cross under the starboard wing next to the hinomaru. It is not a green cross, it's a red cross. A number of Super Universals were modified and deployed as ambulance aircraft in the '30s. This is a really old aircraft but the camouflage shows that it was still active until the end of the war.

Another "Lily", this one with proper camouflage and the number "1096" on the nose. Unfortunately the tail marking is not visible so it's difficult to be sure about the unit.

Another Nakajima Ki-84 "Hayate" found at Hankow Airfield. There is something dark on the tail but can't see if it's a number or a tail marking.

A Nakajima Ki-49 "Helen". Unfrotunately the tail marking is not visible. Can you figure out the type of the aircraft on the left?

Tachikawa Ki-36 "Ida". But is it a Ki-36 "bomber" or a Ki-55 trainer. After all these years, a book and posts, people still can't tell the difference between the two. Simple stuff: the Ki-55 trainer did NOT have bomb attachments under the wings. This one does and therefore it is a Ki-36.

A well-known photo of a Tachikawa Ki-54 Hei transport "Hickory" that is usually found without a location. Note the huge overpainted tail marking. Note the lack of a green cross on the port wing and the missing propeller on the starboard. What is the aircraft next to it on the right? Could it be.....

A different photo of the same "Hickory" this time with green crosses on the wings and replaced propellers. It seems that this one was deemed airworthy and was put to service again. The caption of the photo confirms that the location is Hankow.