Nakajima Ki-27 (Nate) Type 97
Wartime History
Initially conceived of as a private venture design by the Nakajima corporation, the Ki-27 was soon debuted and accepted by the Japanese Army and entered service in 1937
At the cost of self-sealing fuel tanks, pilot protection and other aircraft amenities at the time, the Ki-27 was nimble and fast fighter, armed with 2 x 7.7mm heavy machine guns.
In the early years, the Ki-27 enjoyed a period of success against the Chinese and Allied fighter pilots in the early Pacific war. As Allied fighter designed continued to improve, aircraft like the Ki-27 would begin to lose out to the advanced technologies and be relegated to second line duty, training or kamikaze use.
Nicknamed Nate or Abdul by the Allies.
