The Nakajima Ki-84 was a replacement for the Ki-43 with more speed and better firepower. It was a good design and only poor quality fuel and construction materials prevented it from matching the P-47 and P-51.

It entered service with the Japanese Imperial Army towards the end of the war, and although successful, it was difficult to maintain with the material shortages at he time.

The 'Hayate' was armed with 2 x 12.7mm machine guns and 2 x 20mm cannon. Two racks were also fitted to carry bombs or fuel tanks.