Why a Promising Experimental Aircraft Might Have Won World War II Had It Functioned Properly

Why a Promising Experimental Aircraft Might Have Won World War II Had It Functioned Properly

A New Fighter in a Desperate Time In October 1944, the airfield at Tainan, Taiwan, became the stage for Japan’s introduction of its latest weapon, the Ki-84 Hayate fighter. To the young pilots of the 11th Sentai Air Group, the aircraft represented hope at a time when Japan was steadily losing ground to advancing American forces. Painted fresh and gleaming under the morning sun, the Hayate promised speed and firepower that could change the balanc…