The Nakajima Ki-44 Shoki is a Japanese single-engine metal half-hull interceptor of World War II. The flight of the prototype took place in August 1940, and the units entered service in 1942. Commonly known as Tojo. During the war, three modifications of the Ki-44 were created. The first, designated Ki-44-I, was equipped with a Nakajima Ha-41 engine with a capacity of 1,200 horsepower. Only 40 copies of this version were produced. The next one was named Ki-44-II, had a new, more powerful engine and changed onboard weapons. It was first used in the battles for Burma, Malaysia and Sumatra, but quickly found its way into the defense units of the home islands. The last, produced in small numbers, was the Ki-44-III version with the new Nakajima Ha-145 engine. All versions of the Ki-44, despite a significant maximum speed, were not liked by pilots, especially due to low maneuverability and difficulty of piloting. They were effective against bombers, but had major problems with escort fighters. Technical data (Ki-44-II version): length: 8.84 m, wingspan: 9.45 m, height: 3.12 m, maximum speed: 605 km / h, maximum range: 1700 km, maximum ceiling 11200 m, armament: fixed - four 12.7 mm machines. guns
