Type: Interceptor/Fighter Bomber

Weight:

Take-off: 3,602 kg
Maximum: 4,170 kg

Length: 9.85
Wigspan: 11.30 m
Wing Area: 21.02 sq.m.

Engine: 1 x Ha-45-21
Power:
Tak-off: 1,970 HP

Top Speed:
Sea Level: 584 km/h
At 6,100 m: 687 km/h

Service Ceiling: 11,582 m
Range: 2,821 km

Armament: 2 x 12.7-mm Ho 103 machine guns on 1a; 2 x 20-mm Ho 5 cannons on Ki-84-1b
2 x 20-mm Ho 5 cannon
2 x 250 kg bombs

One of the best Japanese fighters of the war. The Plane Type 4 was mainly intended to replace the obsolete Ki-43 fighter. Externally the plane looked like its predecessor somewhat, but had a more powerful Ha-45-21 engine and more powerful armament. The first prototype designated N.8401 first flew in April of 1942. In August of the same year N.8402, a second prototype, also entered the testing. The prototypes different by having more exhaust pipes on the sides of the fuselage, as well as exposed MG barrels above the engine. The prototypes were followed by a production run of 83 aircraft intended for combat testing at the front. During those tests several modifications were made, most notably changes to the tail and rudder design. Full-scale production began in April of 1944 at the Nakajima Hikoki K.K. factories in cities of Ota and Utsonomiya.
The new airplane was in many aspects superior to most contemporary Allied planes. Due to the powerful engine the Ki-84 had a better climb rate than the P-51D and P-47D, and it was considerably more maneuverable. Pilot protection was also great, with 65mm armored glass and 13mm armored seat. The armament was quite powerful, with twin 12.7 synchronized machine guns and two 20mm wing cannons. Ki-84-1b became a further development of the series. The two 12.7 machineguns were replaced with two synchronized 20mm cannons. This greatly increased the Ki-84s killing power, making it especially stand out among the generally weak armament on most Japanese fighters.
Ki-84-1a and 1b were certainly formidable opponents, especially so the hands of an experienced pilot. Altogether 3,382 Ki-84s of all variants were produced.

Main Variants:

Ki84-1 Ha-45-21 engine with 1,970 HP. Twin 12.7 synchronized machine guns and two 20mm wing cannons.
Ki-84-1b 20-mm synchronized cannons instead of the 12.7mm MGs
Ii84-1b KAI Ki-84-1b with 1,970 HP a Ha-45-21 engine, or a 2,000 HP
Ha-45-23. Some airframe modifications, including wooden rear fuselage.
Ki-84-1c Two 20-mm and two 30-mm cannons, designed to attack US heavy bombers
Ki-84-1c KAI Ki-84-1c equipped with a 1,970 HP Ha-45-21 engine or a 2,000 HP Ha-45-23 engine. Some airframe modifications, including wooden rear fuselage.

Advantages:
Strong armament for a Japanese fighter
Excellent climb rate and maneuverability

Disadvantages:

Poor control on taxiing.
Lack of fire extinguisher or emergency canopy jettison