Kawanishi N1K2 | |
|---|---|
| Country | Japan |
| Type | Navy Land Based Interceptor |
| Introduction | 1943 |
| Built | 1532 |
Photo gallery of a Kawanishi N1K2-J, The Kawanishi N1K Kyōfū (強風 “strong wind”, Allied reporting name “Rex”) was an Imperial Japanese Navy floatplane fighter. The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (紫電 “Violet Lightning”) was an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service land-based version of the N1K. Assigned the Allied codename “George”, the N1K-J was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during World War II.
Source: Kawanishi N1K2-J on Wiki
| Kawanishi N1K2-J | |
|---|---|
| Photographers | Dick Powers, Dick Powers, Rick Geithmann |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 58 |
| Kawanishi N1K2 Shiden-Kai ‘George’ Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Cees Hendriks |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 62 |
| N1-K George Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Unknow |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 80 |
| N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (George) Walk Around | |
|---|---|
| Photographer | Michael Benolkin |
| Localisation | Unknow |
| Photos | 22 |
See also:
A Land Fighter with Sea Legs
The N1K2-J Shiden Kai (Allied reporting name: “George”) was perhaps the most capable fighter the Imperial Japanese Navy ever fielded. In a rare reversal of aviation design, it was adapted from a floatplane fighter (the N1K Kyofu). While early land-based versions (N1K1-J) suffered from unreliable engines and fragile, overly long landing gear, the redesigned N1K2-J moved the wings to a low position and simplified the structure. This resulted in a rugged, heavily armed interceptor that could finally meet the Hellcat and Corsair on equal—and often superior—terms.
| Attribute | Technical Specification (N1K2-J) |
|---|---|
| Role | Land-based Interceptor / Fighter |
| Crew | 1 (Pilot) |
| Main Armament | 4 × 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons (wing-mounted) |
| Engine | Nakajima NK9H Homare 21 (1,990 hp) |
| Maximum Speed | 594 km/h (369 mph) at 5,600 m |
| Service Ceiling | 10,760 m (35,300 ft) |
| Maneuverability | High (Aided by automatic combat flaps) |
| Combat Weight | 4,000 kg (8,818 lbs) |
Engineering: The Mercury Switch
- Automatic Combat Flaps: The “George” featured a revolutionary system where a mercury-filled U-tube acted as a sensor for G-loads and airspeed. This automatically deployed the flaps during tight turns, increasing lift and preventing stalls without any input from the pilot.
- Simplified Construction: The “Kai” (Modified) model was designed for mass production in Japan’s failing industrial environment. It used 250kg less material than the original N1K1 and had far fewer parts, though B-29 raids eventually crippled its production numbers.
- The “Homare” Struggle: The Nakajima Homare engine was a masterclass in power density but a nightmare for mechanics. It was prone to overheating and power loss at high altitudes, which limited the N1K2’s effectiveness against high-flying B-29 formations.
- Lethal Punch: With four 20mm cannons, a single burst from the Shiden Kai could tear through the wings of a Grumman F6F or seriously damage a heavy bomber. Unlike the Zero, it also possessed self-sealing fuel tanks and pilot armor.
History: Genda’s Blade
- The 343rd Kokutai: To maximize the Shiden Kai’s potential, Captain Minoru Genda (planner of the Pearl Harbor attack) formed the elite 343rd Air Group. He gathered Japan’s surviving veteran aces, creating a “Squadron of Experts” that became the most feared unit in the Japanese Navy.
- March 19, 1945: In one of the war’s most famous dogfights over Shikoku, the 343rd’s Shiden Kais intercepted a massive US carrier strike. Despite being outnumbered, the Japanese pilots claimed over 50 victories, proving the N1K2-J was a deadly threat in experienced hands.
- Post-War Evaluation: American test pilots who flew captured N1K2s after the war were impressed by its agility and pilot visibility. They concluded that it was a superior dogfighter to almost everything in the US inventory at medium and low altitudes.
- Rarity Today: Only four original Shiden Kais remain in the world today, with one notable example displayed at the National Museum of the US Air Force in Dayton, Ohio.
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