ki-27

九七式戦闘機

The Nakajima Ki-27 was a Japanese fighter aircraft during the Second World War. The Japanese Army designation was "Army Type 97 Fighter" (九七式戦闘機). Its Allied reporting name was Nate.

It was noted for its outstanding turning ability due to its low wing loading, and fixed landing gear. This came at the expense of speed, protection (lacking self-sealing fuel tanks and armour for the pilot) and armament. It was armed with two 7.7 x 58 mm Type 89 machine guns or one 7.7 x 58 mm Type 89 machine gun and one 12.7 x 81 mm Ho-103 machine gun, both of which were inadequate against Allied aircraft.

It was designed by Koyama Yasushi [小山 悌] who would subsequently design the Ki-84 Hayate. It entered combat for first time in 1937. The Mansyuu Ki-79 was a trainer version.

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