Nakajima A1N
Nakajima · Japan · first flew 1927 · fighter
The Nakajima A1N was a Japanese carrier-based biplane fighter developed in the late 1920s, derived from the Gloster Gambet. It served as the Imperial Japanese Navy's primary carrier fighter in the early 1930s.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | High-mounted, tapered |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 1 × piston, nose-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 6.17 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
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Spot it by:
- Single-seat carrier biplane fighter of 1920s design
- Fixed undercarriage with faired axle
- Two-bay biplane with strut-braced wings
A compact two-bay biplane carrier fighter with a Jupiter-type radial engine, fixed undercarriage, and conventional vertical tail; the Gloster Gambet heritage is visible in the overall proportions.
Specifications
- The Nakajima A1N has a length of 6.17 m (20 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 9.44 m (31 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 238 km/h (148 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Japan purchased the Gloster Gambet design and Nakajima developed it into the A1N, which entered Navy service in 1929. It was the main carrier fighter until replaced by the A2N in 1932–1933, serving briefly during the Shanghai Incident of 1932.
Variants
The A1N1 was the initial production version; the A1N2 introduced a more powerful Jupiter engine and minor structural improvements.
Where you'll see it
Served exclusively with the Imperial Japanese Navy; operated from the carriers Hōshō, Akagi, and Kaga during its front-line career.
Related aircraft
- Nakajima A2N
- Nakajima E4N
- Nakajima Ki-6
- Nakajima Army Type 91 Fighter
- Arado SD I
- Avia BH-26
- Avia BH-27
- Avia BH-29
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