The Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki (鍾馗、"Demon") was a single-engined fighter aircraft used by the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force in World War II, first flying in August 1940 and entering service in 1942. The Allied codename was "Tojo"; the Japanese Army designation was "Type 2 single-seat fighter" (二式単座戦闘機).
In contrast to its predecessor, the nimble Ki-43, the Ki-44 was designed for speed and climbing ability, and was used to intercept high-flying B-29 bombers. With its poor visibility, weak armament, and high landing speed, it was generally disliked by pilots; its oversized engine and diminutive tail made it one of the more unattractive craft of its class.
Variants
- Ki-44 Type I was powered by a 930 kW (1,250 hp) Nakajima Ha-41 engine, and had a maximum speed of 580 km/h (363 mph). Armament consisted of two 12.7 mm Type I machine guns and 2 7.7 mm Type 89 machine guns placed in the wing.
- Ki-44 Type II had a 1,074 kW (1,440 hp) Nakajima Ha-109 engine with a top speed of 604 km/h (378 mph), and four 12.7 mm Type I machine guns.
Later developments raised engine power to 1,343 kW (1,800 hp), and some versions were armed with 40mm cannon.
Specifications (Ki-44-IIb)
General Characteristics
- Crew: one, pilot
- Length: 8.80 m (28 ft 10 in)
- Wingspan: 9.45 m (31 ft 0 in)
- Height: 3.25 m (10 ft 8 in)
- Wing area: 15 m² (161 ft²)
- Empty: 2,105 kg (4,641 lb)
- Loaded: 2,995 kg (6,602 lb)
- Maximum takeoff: kg ( lb)
- Powerplant: 1x Nakajima Ha-109 radial engine, 1,133 kW (1519 hp)
Performance
- Maximum speed: 605 km/h (376 mph)
- Range: 1,700 km (1,060 miles)
- Service ceiling: 11,200 m (36,750 ft)
- Rate of climb: m/min ( ft/min)
- Wing loading: 200 kg/m² (41 lb/ft²)
- Power/Mass: 0.38 kW/kg (0.13 hp/lb)
Armament
- 4x 12.7 mm Type I machine guns
Related content
Related development:
Comparable aircraft:
Designation sequence:
Ki-41 -
Ki-42 -
Ki-43 -
Ki-44 -
Ki-45 -
Ki-46 -
Ki-47
