In theory yes, plus the energy building capability it is an outstanding aircraft. These assets are considerably diminished however when you have to face a gang of mixed aircraft. A decent turner and a decent BnZer tag-teaming the lone Hayate pilot means he cannot outclimb, nor outrun nor outmanoeuvre for more than several seconds, you have to overcome the sum of the parts. And that's just with two. Within minutes it is three, and four and five and so on because it is a manoeuvring fighter, not a travelling fighter, like your chosen ride is for example.
this is key -
I am confident I can be a challenge to anyone since or even 2 sticks in a KI84. . . but once you plant in a ki, you have to either win or die. That is why, dispite my already mounting anger over radiator hits (I get one every 3 sorties), I fly the K4 because it has the power to extend or pursue a runner - and in a multi con fight or in the MA where 51, D9 and 47Ms seem to be everywhere, I long for a plane that can push when I need to. KI is brilliant, but the K4 is just a pure monster and can dictate the fight (initiative is key to controlling a flight, and the KI surrenders initiative a lot, which makes it fun, but also dependent on the opponent wanting to fight you. . .)
So inks whole move away from the KI into more 'uber' rides (and I consider the k4 to be an uber ride next to the KI) is understandable.
I still however don't HO (unless they pull first and I have no choice <top of a climb, bottom of a dive, no e left to dodge and they start shooting at me>), I can't really vulch (I have tried and I suck at it. . .) and picking is just someone having more alt then someone else.
/end rant
