HOME      Nakajima Ki-43

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Click on the picture to hear the wav sound.
NOTE: RADIO CONTROL AIRPLANES ARE ON THE BOTTOM HALF OF THE PAGE.
 
Only 40 Nakajima Ki-43 aircraft (Allied code name Oscar) had been deployed to the Malay Peninsula. at the start of WW II. These aircraft were assigned to escort duties for bombers on missions over Hong Kong and Burma.
 
Nakajima Ki-43 aircraft were a match for American Curtiss P-40 Warhawk and Brewster F2A Buffalo aircraft.
 
The Japanese Navy Mitsubishi Zero is better known than the Nakajima Ki-43, while being only slightly faster.  In fact, the Nakajima Ki-43 could out turn and had a better initial climb rate than the A6M Zero.
 
Initial shortcomings of the Nakajima Ki-43  were its lack of armor protection for the pilot and fuel tanks, plus the aircraft being equipped with only two 12.7 mm machine guns. Later Nakajima Ki-43 models had a more powerful engine, armor, and self sealing fuel tanks. One version was even produced with clipped wings.
 
Eventually over 5,900 Nakajima Ki-43 aircraft of all types were built. They were the most numerous aircraft used by the Japanese Army during World War II. Only the Japanese Zero, used by their navy, was produced in greater numbers.
 
 

Specifications

   Primary Function:
   Crew:
   Engine:  
   Power:
   Weight Empty:
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   Length:   
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fighter/bomber
one
Nakajima Ha-115
1,150 hp
4,210 lbs.
6,450 lbs.
2 x 12.7 mm
2 x 550 lbs.
29' 3"
35' 7"
275 mph
330 mph
3,240 fpm
36,750
1,100 miles
1/11/39
1941
 
Radio Control Airplane

 Alfa Model rc Nakajima Ki-43.
 
Radio Control Airplanes:
 
 
In the photograph above is the ARF RC Nakajima Ki-43 airplane from Alfa Model.  The radio control airplane has a wing span of 33 3/4" and a length of 29 1/2".  A favorite motor to power the RC Airplane is the MP Jet 28/7-35D.  
 
The first picture below is of the rc Nakajima Ki-43 radio control airplane built from Timo Startkloff plans.  The plans for the rc airplane are available from VTH Online Shop.  Specifications of the radio control airplane are 1:12 scale with a wing span of 35.5" and a length of 29.5". The rc Nakajima Ki-43 can be either motor or engine powered. All up weight of the radio control airplane is around 28 oz.  
 
Warbirds Kits will sell you a short kit of the rc Nakajima Ki-43 radio control airplane. Wing span of the RC Airplane is 35.6" and length is 27.75".  You will need a speed 400 size brushless motor to power the radio control airplane.  The RC Airplane was designed by Tom Jacoby.
 
The last picture on this page is of the rc Nakajima Ki-43 radio control airplane that was scratch built by Grasshopper of RC Universe.  The RC Nakajima Ki-43 airplane has a wing span of 48" and a length of 38".  Power for the radio control airplane comes from a Norvell .25 engine.  All up weight of the rc airplane is 52 oz.   
 
Can you recommend a rc Nakajima Ki-43 radio control airplane? Have you seen any additional Nakajima Ki-43 RC Airplane ARF's, plans or kits? If so, please email us.
 
Cash RC from the Watt Flyer Forums reports that the rc Nakajima Ki-43 radio control airplane built from Timo Starkloff plans is easy to hand launch, turn, and fly.  The RC Airplane is capable of nice axial rolls. Cash was impressed that the rc Nakajima Ki-43  radio control airplane could fly at very slow speeds without stalling. Cash uses an Electrifly 36-35-1000 motor to power his RC Airplane.  
 
 
Radio Control Airplane
Timo Starkloff plans rc Nakajima Ki-43.
 
Radio Control Airplane

 Warbirds Kits rc Nakajima Ki-43.


Radio Control Airplane
Grasshopper's  rc Nakajima Ki-43.