30” Nakajima Ki84 Hayate “Frank”- Background
The Inspiration
In 1942, the Imperial Japanese Army Air Service began the hunt for a new fighter. The Ki-43, although nimble, was seen as to fragile in combat and in need of a stronger punch. The result was the much more capable Ki-84 Hayate (Gale). The Allies assigned it the code name of "Frank."
The Frank was built around a direct injected and supercharged 36 liter radial engine. When tested by the Allies after the war, the Frank was clocked at 422mph.
The Model
I wanted to add a Japanese warbird to my hangar, but most of them are tough to balance due to their short noses. The Ki84, with its massive 2,000hp engine has the longest nose of the radial-powered lot. The fact that there aren't too many other Ki-84's at the club field didn't hurt, either.
From the beginning, the plan was to combine classic "stick and tissue" construction with modern lightweight electric power. A few vacuum formed parts were included to make the model easy to build.
Specifications
Wingspan 30"
Weight 8-9oz
Power 1700kV "Blue Wonder" Brushless
Propellor 8 x 6 APC
Battery 2S 1000mAh or 3S 800mAh
- Background
- Build photos
- Finished photos
- RC Groups build thread
- Order a Shortkit from Manzano Laswerworks
