The Nakajima Ki-43 was the successor of the company s earlier successful design the Ki-27 Nate. The new fighter was being developed from 1937 by a team of engineers led by Hideo Itokawa, the designer of the Ki-27. The first prototype (s/n 4301) was completed on 12th December 1938. Despite some initial problems, after introducing several modifications (combat flaps, which enhanced the aircraft s maneuverability, among others) the Ki-43 was approved for production under the designation of Fighter Type 1 Model 1. The aircraft was also officially named Hayabusa (Peregrine Falcon). In the American...