Nakajima Ki-43-I Hayabusa - Allied Code Name "Oscar"

The Nakajima Ki-43 Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon) was numerically the most important fighter used by the Japanese Army Air Force during the Pacific War. It remained in production from the beginning of the Pacific War until its end in August of 1945. Its appearance was a complete surprise to the Allies, and the fighter proved to be superior in performance to most of its opponents during the first year of the Pacific War. Most of the Japanese Army's aces established the larger part of their scores while flying this airplane.

Performance: Maximum speed 308 mph at 13,125 feet, climb to 16,405 feet in 5 minutes 30 seconds. Service ceiling 38,500 feet. Maximum range 745 miles.

As the Ki-43-I was superseded by later, more powerful variants, it was reassigned to advanced fighter training schools. Others were delivered to the Royal Thai Air Force, which was then allied to Japan. These remained in service in Thailand until 1949.

The Kit

Our 1:12 scale kit was designed by Tom Jacoby for 400-size brushless power. The kit is easy to build because it's constructed over a central crutch that becomes an integral part of the model's structure. Planking IS NOT required: you simply sheet the fuselage with four pieces of 1/16" balsa. Here's a preview of the kit plans:

Our Oscar kit is a short kit containing:

• All laser-cut wood parts needed to build the model:
  • fuselage and cowl formers
  • wing ribs and spars
  • fin and rudder
  • stabilizer and elevator
  • laser-cut and etched lower skins for the wing
• 3/8" x 3/4" wing leading edges
• custom vacuum-formed clear plastic canopy
• full-size plan sheet
• construction manual
• two sheets of markings

To complete this kit, the builder will need the following additional materials:

• 3/32" Aluminum tubing, 3"
• 1/16" Music wire, 20"
• 1/16" x 4" x 36" Balsa sheet for wing and fuselage skin, 3 each
• 1/8" x 4" Hardwood dowel
• 1/64 or 1/32 ply and foam blocks for fillets
• Wing mounting bolt
• Hinges (ailerons, elevator)
• Miscellaneous servo mounting materials and pushrods
• Covering materials and paint
• 400-size brushless power system

Status

Steve St. Martin is building the prototype at Ezone magazine online.

The kit is available now!

To order this kit, please go to the Kits page.

Free Downloads

Construction Manual v1.01
Decals
64th Hiko Sentai, 2nd Chutai, Burma	Royal Thai Air Force