In 1935 the Japanese Army held a competition between Nakajima, Mitshubishi and Kawasaki to design a low-wing monoplane.The results were Ki- 27, Ki- 28 and Ki -33, and the army chose the Nakajima aircraft for its outstanding turn performance, and officially adopted it for use in 1937. The new Ki -27 was created as a modern, streamlined design, their chief design engineer was Koyama Yasushi.

The Ki- 27 was the army's main fighter until the start of WW II. In the 1939 Battle of Chalchin-Gol where the Japanese Army fought the Soviets twice in Mongolia, it faced the I-15 and I-16 and overwhelmed them with its maneuverability. Downing total of 1252 enemy aircraft, the Ki-27 served until the beginning of WW II in the Pacific and was replaced by the Ki-43, continuing to serve as a trainer. It was also exported for use with Manchukuo and Thai forces, seeing combat with both.

Kit has engraved panel lines, well-appointed cockpit, raised relief radial engine with separate manifold, spatted undercarriage, optional under wing fuel tank fairings and single-piece canopy. Also includes photo-etch cockpit accents and acetate instruments.

Decals and color painting guide for (3) aircraft: Royal Thai Air Force, Foong Bin Khap Lai 16, 1943 (x2) and Nationalist Chinese Air Force captured machine, summer 1945.