Nakajima J5N
Nakajima · Japan · first flew 1944 · fighter
The Nakajima J5N Tenrai (Heavenly Thunder) was a twin-engine single-seat interceptor prototype developed for the Imperial Japanese Navy in 1944 to counter high-altitude American bombing raids.
Recognition (WEFT)
| W — Wings | Mid-mounted, straight |
|---|---|
| E — Engines | 2 × piston, wing-mounted |
| F — Fuselage | 11.19 m fuselage |
| T — Tail | Conventional |
WEFT is AircraftIQ's four-point recognition method — how it works.
Spot it by:
- Twin-engine Japanese navy interceptor prototype of 1944
- Designed to intercept B-29 Superfortresses at high altitude
- Never entered production due to engine and handling problems
A twin-engine mid-wing monoplane with a single-seat fighter cockpit set well forward, twin tail fins, and the engine nacelles blending smoothly into the wing.
Specifications
- The Nakajima J5N has a length of 11.19 m (37 ft).
- It has a wingspan of 13 m (43 ft).
- Its maximum speed is 679 km/h (422 mph).
- Typical crew: 1.
Figures are for the representative variant described above; marks differ. See how AircraftIQ sources figures.
History
Designed to climb rapidly and engage Boeing B-29s, the J5N suffered from engine unreliability and poor handling characteristics. Six prototypes were built but persistent problems with the Homare engines and directional instability prevented it from entering service.
Variants
Only prototype examples were built; no production variants were realised.
Where you'll see it
Never entered operational service with the Imperial Japanese Navy; all examples remained in test status.
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