Dubbed the 'Oscar' by the Allies, the Ki-43 Hayabusa was the most
prolific Japanese fighter of World War II. Produced in great numbers, it
initially proved superior to most US and British fighter types, due to
its excellent maneuverability. The light weight and large wing area gave
it a small turning radius and a high rate-of-climb which was ideal for
pilots in close combat fighting. However, the Ki-43's swiftness and
agility came at a price, with the low-wing design meaning that firepower
and safety had to be sacrificed. With only two machine guns, a Ki-43
pilot would have to perform a dangerous balancing act between achieving
a high rate of kills and their own survival. Surprisingly, more Japanese
pilots achieved Ace status flying the Hayabusa than any other plane and
despite being steadily outclassed by new fighters, the Ki-43 remained in
frontline JAAF service until the war's end. This book expertly charts
the experiences of the pilots and discusses the early stages of the war
in South-East Asia, China, Burma and New Guinea. Accompanied by detailed
appendices and specially commissioned artwork, this is the first volume
in English to focus exclusively on the exploits of the Ki-43.