Japanese fighter
The Nakajima Ki-116 was a late-World War II aircraft developed for the Imperial Japanese Army Air Force. It was essentially a Ki-84 "Hayate" with the Nakajima Ha-45 engine replaced with a Mitsubishi Ha-112. The design was handled by Mansyū Aircraft in Manchukuo, and thus it is often designated Mansyū Ki-116.
Design and development.
The Ki-116 was the last variant of the Nakajima Ki-84 "Hayate" to enter flight trials. It was originally the fourth Mansyu-built Ki-84-I, adapted to take a Mitsubishi Ha-112-II (aka Kinsei 62) engine, the same engine used in the Kawasaki Ki-100, driving a three-blade propeller borrowed from a Mitsubishi Ki-46-III "Dinah". This conversion proved to be very successful, a reduction of in empty weight being registered. The aircraft was still undergoing tests at the time of Japan's defeat. It appeared somewhat longer and had an increased tail surface area compared to the original Ki-84.
This aircraft was created as a fighter-interceptor. There is no indication that it was intended for the Special Attack suicide role ("shimbu-tai").
One aircraft was built at Manshūkoku Hikōki Seizo KK at their plant in Harbin in 1945.
Specifications.
General Characteristics
See also.
Related development
Aircraft of comparable role, configuration, and era
Related lists
References.
Notes.
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