Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai
Kawanishi Aircraft Company · Japan · first flew 1943 · fighter
The Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai ('George 21' to the Allies) was a land-based redesign of the floatplane fighter that became Japan's most capable fighter of the Pacific War's final phase.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 9.35 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- mid-mounted straight wing on a short undercarriage
- four 20 mm cannon in wing
- large Homare radial with exhaust stacks
The Shiden-Kai shares the straight mid-wing layout with the earlier N1K1-J but is identifiable by its shorter undercarriage legs and a slightly cleaner cowling. Compared with the A6M Zero, the N1K2-J has a much larger, deeper fuselage, a four-bladed propeller, and a noticeably heavier overall look.
Specifications
- The Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai has a length of 9.35 m (31 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 11.99 m (39 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 594 km/h (369 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
The N1K1-J Shiden was itself converted from the N1K1 Kyofu floatplane, and its mid-mounted wing created undercarriage problems due to the long, spindly legs needed to clear the large propeller. Kawanishi engineers redesigned the aircraft from the ground up as the N1K2-J, lowering the wing to shoulder position, shortening the undercarriage, and simplifying production. The result was aerodynamically excellent.
Variants
The N1K2-J was the main production variant; subsequent N1K2-Ja and N1K3 through N1K5 series were proposed or built in tiny numbers. Total N1K2-J production reached about 415 aircraft before the war's end.
Where you'll see it
IJNAS units including the 343rd Kokutai ('Gale Fighter Corps') flew the Shiden-Kai in defence of the Japanese home islands from late 1944. In the hands of experienced pilots it matched or outfought the F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair.
Related aircraft
- Kawanishi N1K2-J George
- Kawanishi N1K1 Kyōfū
- Kawanishi H8K
- Kawanishi H6K
- Arado Ar 440
- Brewster F3A-1 Corsair
- Brewster XA-32
- Curtiss P-40 N Warhawk
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