Many enthusiasts think that the Japanese did not have any competent fighters once the A6M Zero was eclipsed in 1943. This is not the case as several superb designs were developed that were the equal of or in some cases superior to what was being fielded by the Allies at the time.

What the Japanese did not have was good quality control, a viable parts line, or very many experienced pilots. Even the best aircraft is of little use if the pilot flying it is not up to the standards of their adversaries. Such was the case in the lasy years of the Pacific war and with the Nakajima Ki-84.

The Ki-84 'Hayate' was very much what the Japanese needed, but as is often the case in conflicts, this one was too little too late.

Nakajima had proven itself in its production of the Ki-43 and Ki-44, both very different planes. The Ki-43 was lightly armed (as was the requirement) and highly maneuverable. The Ki-44 was more heavily armed and quite fast, but was unable to dogfight in the manner that most IJAAF pilots were trained. What was needed was a more powerfully armed, fast and maneuverable aircraft. That aircraft was the Ki-84.

Typical of Japanese aircraft production, the type was rather slow in development with the prototype first flying April of 1943 under great secrecy. The plane had a four blade prop, a powerful 1800 hp radial engine, and was armed with two machine guns and two cannon. It had its usual faults and some of the weaknesses that were to crop up during the life of the aircraft were issues with the landing gear and the engine. Unusually for Western aircraft, a huge run of preproduction aircraft was funded with 125 aircraft in two batches being produced by April of 1944.

As you'd expect, these pre-production planes often varied from airframe to airframe as modifications were made to systems and new systems tried out. These planes were used in combat and were quite a nasty surprise to the Allies when they were encountered. This was followed by several production types which differed in either engine variant or armament. External differences are few and limited to vent openings, exhaust arrangement and other minor items.

The author does a very good job of covering the design and development of the aircraft and goes into some detail regarding its combat use and the units that flew the aircraft. This is accompanied by some excellent period photographs and especially those which go into the different parts of the airframe. A well done section on camouflage and markings is included.

You would expect high quality drawings of the aircraft and Kagero has provided those. Both in the historical section where the differences between the various types are shown as well as providing large multi-view plans in various scales. Not only that, but there are a goodly number of quite large, full color profiles of the aircraft in the back of the book.

The Ki-84s use with other nations is also covered as the Chinese on both sides used these planes in combat after the war, some with Japanese pilots. Other variants of the Ki-84 are also covered such as the Ki-106, Ki-113, Ki-116 and unique airframe developments like the two seat trainer and the high altitude version. One Ki-84 survived the war and was eventually brought to flying status by the Planes of Fame folks. This was sold to the Japanese where it provided flying performances until it was grounded. It has since changed owners several times and has deteriorated considerably over the years.

In all, it makes for another excellent Kagero offering and a book that Japanese aircraft enthusiasts should have on their shelves. Highly recommended.