History

As quoted from the introduction in the book "The Nakajima Ki-84 Hayate, known as "Frank" in allied jargon, was one of the best IJAAF (Imperial Japanese Army Air Force) fighters during the final year of the Pacific war. Featuring an enclosed cockpit and retractable landing gear, this all-metal cantilever low-wing monoplane of an elegant body was the successor of the previous Nakajima fighters - Ki-43 Hayabusa and Ki-44 Soki. The Ki-84 proved it's value fighting in China and the Philippines, although the highest number of these machines were lost there, too. When in the hands of an experienced pilot, it was a good match for the best of Allied fighter aircraft. After the war a small number of Ki-84s served with the Chinese air forces, taking part in the civil war of 1945-1949".

The Book

As with most reference books they start off with the history and development of this aircraft. This covers the prototypes, experimental, flight trials, production versions and modifications. The operational use covers the different areas of operation that the Ki-84 served including foreign service and captured aircraft along with the evaluation of these aircraft. They also cover the camouflage and markings of the aircraft.

The next part of this book covers the technical characteristics. This is a wealth of photos that detailers would find most helpful if you were constructing a model of this aircraft. Includes detailed photos of the undercarriage canopies and of course the cockpit as a few examples. There is also a great chart that explains Japanese terms, abbreviations, IJAAF ranks, units that used the Ki-84, tactical and technical data, engine comparisons with other two-rows radial engines, data on the Ha-45, armament and production by Nakajima plants.

The last section is some beautiful 1/48th scale line drawings of some of the versions. This also includes a section that covers characteristics of the aircraft versions with the differences being highlighted. A very nice touch. Included in this a pullout line drawing of a 1/32nd Ki-84 Ko, Ki-84 Hayate. The book concludes with several beautiful color artworks of the instrument panel and aircraft in many different schemes.

I highly recommend this book for modelers with an interest in the IJAAF. I would like to thank Casemate Publishing and IPMS/USA for allowing me to be able to review this book.