Kawanishi N1K1 Kyōfū "Rex"

Kawanishi Aircraft Company · Empire of Japan · first flew 1942 · fighter

The Kawanishi N1K1 Kyōfū ("Mighty Wind") was a Japanese single-seat floatplane fighter, the only purpose-designed float fighter to enter Imperial Japanese Navy service during World War II.

Recognition (WEFT)

W — Wings	Mid-mounted, tapered
E — Engines	1 × piston, nose-mounted
F — Fuselage	10.59 m fuselage
T — Tail	Conventional

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Spot it by:

Single-float floatplane fighter with mid-wing elliptical-tapered wings
Large contra-rotating propeller to counter torque on the central float
Distinctive long central float with small wingtip floats

Unique floatplane fighter with a large central float, mid-mounted tapered wings, contra-rotating propeller spinner, and small stabilising floats under the outer wings.

Specifications

The Kawanishi N1K1 Kyōfū has a length of 10.59 m (35 ft).
It has a wingspan of 12 m (39 ft).
Its maximum speed is 489 km/h (304 mph).
Typical crew: 1.

Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.

History

Developed from 1940 to provide fighter cover for amphibious operations beyond land-based airfield range, the N1K1 first flew in May 1942. It used a contra-rotating propeller to manage torque on its large central float. The type served in limited numbers in the South Pacific but was difficult to handle and outclassed by land-based opponents. Its design directly inspired the land-based N1K-J Shiden interceptor.

Variants

The N1K1 Kyōfū was the production floatplane variant; the N1K-J Shiden (George) was a land-based derivative that became a far more capable fighter.

Where you'll see it

Operated by the Imperial Japanese Navy in the Solomons area and East Indies; saw limited combat due to small production numbers.

Related aircraft

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