Japan's Nakajima Ki-87 fighter

Photos

Design

In 1942 the Koku Hombu brought specifications for a new fighter to Nakajima. In November 1942 an order for three prototypes to be completed by January 1945 and for seven pre-production by April 1945 was made.

Specifications

• Speed: 497 mph / 800 kph
• Range: 1,864 miles / 3,000 km, later lowered to 310 - 497 miles / 500 - 800 km
• Armament: two 20 mm and two 30 mm

Engine

A Nakajima Ha-44 11 or 21 (2,400 HP) was selected. A turbo supercharger was mounted on the starboard side of the nose.

Armament

Two 20 mm Ho-5 cannons were placed in the wing roots and two 30 mm Ho-105 cannons outboard of the landing gear.

Landing Gear

The landing gear was made to turn 90 degrees so it would lay flat in the wings.

Prototype

The Ki-87 prototype was completed in February 1945. In April 1945 test flights were conducted. The landing gear had faults and during the five test flights they were never retracted.

Production

• Nakajima Ki-87 prototype: 1
  • Manufacturer: Nakajima Hikoki K.K. at Ota
  • Production: February 1945

Variants

• Nakajima Ki-87:
• Nakajima Ki-87-II: Only in the design phase. Was to have a Nakajima Ha-46 11 (3,000 HP) installed with the turbo supercharger in the belly.