Ki-43-Is of the 3rd Chutai, 50th Sentai, on the flight-line at Tachikawa in the summer of 1942. The unit was converting to the type following a recent combat tour in Burma, when it flew the Ki-27.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Ki-43-I of an unidentified unit pictured in China, or French-Indo-China, in 1942.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

A Ki-43-I of an unknown unit runs up its engine inside its blast pen at a frontline airfield.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Maintenance on a Ki-43-I at a frontline airfield. Of interest here is the mottled green overspray on the bare metal finish - the commonest camouflage within the IJAAF.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

The graceful design of the Ki-43 Hayabusa shown to perfection in this unusual view of a Ki-43-I in flight. Note the position of the raised undercarriage, slightly abutting into the wing-roots.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Air-to-air 'propaganda-type' photo of an impressive formation of Ki-43-Is of the 1st Sentai, over French Indo China in early 1942. The unique tail markings consisted of different colours on the rudders for each Chutai - later over-painted with white stripes denoting the individual aircraft's position within the formation, as seen here.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

A Ki-43-I in 1943 after the type had been replaced at the front by the Ki-43-II. Many of the earlier models were relegated to training cadres such as the Akeno Fighter Training School in Japan, to which this aircraft belongs.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Close-up detail of the Ki-43-I telescopic gunsight. Although this had become obsolete by the time Japan entered World War Two, nearly all Ki-43-Is carried this outdated sighting design.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Probably the most easily recognisable tail marking of any IJAAF Regiment was the downward-pointed arrow of the elite 64th Sentai, as seen on this Ki-43-I in Malaya.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Early Ki-43-Ia of the Akeno Fighter Training School. Note emblem on tail and all-aluminium finish, apart from the anti-glare panel in the front of the cockpit. No fuselage Hinomaru (national insignia) present, but individual airframe number visible.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

The 50th Sentai prepares for an operational sortie. This unit was the second most important regiment to serve in Burma with Ki-43s, after the 64th Sentai.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938

Air-to-air view of Ki-43-Is of the 50th Sentai. White Sentai markings denote these aircraft as belonging to the 3rd Chutai.

Самолёты на фотографии: Aircrafts on the photo: Nakajima Ki.43 Hayabusa - ЯпонияJapan - 1938