View source for Kawanishi N1K

{{Short description|Japanese floatplane/land-based fighter}}
<!-- This article is a part of [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft]]. Please see [[Wikipedia:WikiProject Aircraft/page content]] for recommended layout. -->
{{Infobox aircraft
 |name = N1K/N1K-J
 |image = File:Kawanishi N1K2-J 050317-F-1234P-015.jpg
 |caption = Kawanishi N1K2-J ''Shiden Kai''
 |type = Fighter
 |national_origin = Japan
 |manufacturer = [[Kawanishi Aircraft Company]]
 |first_flight = N1K1: 6 May 1942{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=318}}<br>N1K1-J: 27 December 1942{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=321}}<br/>N1K2-J: 31 December 1943{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=325}}
 |introduction = 1943
 |retired = 1945
 |primary_user = [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]
 |number_built = 1,532{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=329}}
}}

The '''Kawanishi N1K''' was an [[Imperial Japanese Navy]] [[fighter aircraft]] which was developed in two variants. The '''N1K {{nihongo|''Kyōfū''|強風|Strong Wind}}''' ([[Allies of World War II|Allied]] [[World War II Allied names for Japanese aircraft|reporting name]] ''Rex''), a [[floatplane]] designed to support forward offensive operations where no airstrips were available. The '''N1K-J {{nihongo|''Shiden''|紫電|Violet Lightning}}''' (reporting name ''George''), a land-based version of the N1K. Contemporary pilots and Allied reports praised the N1K-J’s performance, noting its high speed and maneuverability compared with other Japanese fighters of the period.{{sfn|Francillon|1971|p=58}}{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=323}}

The improved '''N1K2-J {{nihongo|''Shiden Kai''|紫電改}}''' made its first flight on 1 January 1944. It carried four 20 mm cannons and used an automatic flap-extension mechanism, operated by a mercury-tilt sensor, to enhance lift during tight turns. These automatically deploying flaps increased wing lift during high-G maneuvers, allowing tighter turn radii without additional pilot input. Unlike the [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero]], the ''Shiden Kai'' could compete against the best late-war Allied fighters, such as the [[Grumman F6F Hellcat|F6F Hellcat]], [[Vought F4U Corsair|F4U Corsair]], and [[North American P-51 Mustang|P-51 Mustang]].<ref>[https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196250/kawanishi-n1k2-ja-shiden-kai-george/ "Fact Sheets: Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai"] ''National Museum of the US Air Force''  Retrieved: 23 November 2015</ref>

==Design and development==
[[File:N1K1_in_biwalake.jpg|thumb|Kawanishi N1K1 ''Kyōfū'' floatplane fighter photographed by the Japanese Navy prior to 1945]]

Kawanishi's '''N1K''' was originally built as a single pontoon floatplane fighter to support forward offensive operations where no airstrips were available, but by 1943 when the aircraft entered service, Japan was firmly on the defensive, and there was no longer a need for a fighter to fulfill this role. The Navy's requirements for this fighter were nearly impossible to achieve for a float plane, and the expected protracted development period led Nakajima to develop an interim float plane fighter based on the Zero, the [[Nakajima A6M2-N]]. In the end, the ''Kyofu'' only saw limited service, mostly in Southeast Asia. A number were flown out of [[Ambon Island|Ambon]] and the [[Aru Islands]] in the Moluccas, while some were stationed at [[Penang Island]], off the Malayan peninsula. They were also used in the [[Battle of Okinawa]]. Towards the end of the war, ''Kyōfū'' were also used in the homeland defense role, operating from [[Lake Biwa]] by the Sasebo Air Corps and the Ōtsu Air Corps.

The N1K was powered by the [[Mitsubishi Kasei|Mitsubishi MK4C ''Kasei'' 13]] 14-cylinder radial engine. Top speed was {{cvt|489|km/h|mph|0}}; considerably less than the unrealistic Navy {{cvt|310|kn|km/h mph|0}} requirement.

===Land-based version===
The requirement to carry a bulky, heavy float essentially crippled the N1K against contemporary American fighters. However, Kawanishi engineers had proposed, in late 1941, that the N1K would also be the basis of a formidable land-based fighter, and a land-based version was produced as a private venture by the company. This version flew on 27 December 1942, powered by a [[Nakajima Homare|Nakajima NK9A ''Homare'' 11]] 18-cylinder [[radial engine]], replacing the less powerful MK4C ''Kasei'' 13 of the N1K-1. The aircraft retained the mid-mounted wing of the floatplane; combined with the large propeller, this necessitated a long, stalky main [[landing gear]]. A unique feature was the aircraft's combat [[Flap (aircraft)|flap]]s that automatically adjusted in response to acceleration, freeing up the pilot's concentration, and reducing the chance of stalling in combat. However, the N1K did have temperamental flight characteristics that required an experienced touch at the controls.<ref>{{cite book|last=Sakai|first=Saburo|title=Samurai|year=1957|isbn=950-15-0163-9|page=304 |publisher=J. Vergara Editor }}</ref>

The Nakajima ''Homare'' was powerful but had been rushed into production before it was sufficiently developed and proved troublesome. Another problem was landing gear failure due to poor heat treatment of the wheels. Apart from engine problems and the landing gear, the flight test program showed that the aircraft was promising. Prototypes were evaluated by the Navy, and since the aircraft was faster than the Zero and had a much longer range than the [[Mitsubishi J2M|Mitsubishi J2M ''Raiden'']], it was ordered into production as the '''N1K1-J''', the -J indicating a land-based fighter modification of the original floatplane fighter.

Only four days after the ''Shiden''{{'}}s first test flight, a complete redesign began. The '''N1K2-J''' addressed the N1K1-J's major defects, primarily the mid-mounted wing and long landing gear. The wings were moved to a low position, which permitted the use of a shorter, conventional undercarriage. The fuselage was lengthened and the tail redesigned. The production of the entire aircraft was simplified: over a third of the parts used in the previous ''Shiden'' could still be used in its successor, while construction used fewer critical materials.{{sfn|Green|1960|p=114}} The N1K2-J was approximately {{cvt|250|kg|lb}} lighter, while faster and more reliable than its predecessor. The ''Homare'' engine was retained, even though reliability problems persisted, as no alternative was available. A prototype of the new version flew on 1 January 1944. After completing Navy trials in April, the N1K2-J was rushed into production. This variant was named the {{nihongo|"''Shiden Kai''"|紫電改}}" with ''[[wikt:改|Kai]]'' meaning ''modified''.

==Operational history==
[[File:Kawanishi N1K Shiden.jpg|thumb|Kawanishi N1K2-J, probably N1K4-J ''Shiden Kai'' Model 32. Only two prototypes were built.]]

The N1K1-J ''Shiden'' entered service in early 1944. The N1K1-J and the N1K2 ''Shiden Kai'' released later that year were among the rare Japanese aircraft that offered pilots an even chance against late-war American designs, such as the [[Grumman F6F Hellcat|F6F Hellcat]] and the [[Vought F4U Corsair|F4U Corsair]],<ref>[https://www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/Visit/Museum-Exhibits/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/196250/kawanishi-n1k2-ja-shiden-kai-george/ "Fact Sheets: Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai"] ''National Museum of the U.S. Air Force'' Retrieved: 23 November 2015</ref> and could be a formidable weapon in the hands of an ace. In February 1945, Ensign [[Kaneyoshi Muto]], flying an N1K2-J as part of a mixed formation of at least ten Japanese aircraft, faced seven U.S. Navy Hellcat pilots from squadron VF-82 in the sky over Japan; the formation shot down four Hellcats with no loss to themselves.{{sfn|Angelucci|Matricardi|1978|p=171}} After the action, Japanese propagandists fabricated a story in which Muto was the sole airman facing twelve enemy aircraft.{{sfn|Tillman|2010|p=[https://archive.org/details/whirlwindairwara00till/page/117 117]}} (A leading Japanese ace, [[Saburō Sakai]], later asserted in his autobiography that Muto had done this feat at an earlier stage of the war – albeit at the controls of a [[Mitsubishi A6M Zero|Zero]] fighter.<ref>{{cite book| last=Sakai |first=Saburo |title=Samurai |year=1957 |isbn=950-15-0163-9 |page=321 |chapter=31 |publisher=J. Vergara Editor }}</ref>)

The N1K1-J aircraft were used very effectively over [[Taiwan|Formosa (Taiwan)]], the [[Philippines]], and, later, [[Okinawa Prefecture|Okinawa]]. Before production was switched to the improved N1K2-J, 1,007 aircraft, including prototypes, were produced. Because of production difficulties and damage done by [[B-29 Superfortress|B-29]] raids on factories, only 415 of the superior N1K2-J fighters were produced.

The N1K2-J ''Shiden Kai'' proved to be a superior [[Dogfight|dogfighting]] aircraft than the earlier IJN fighters, but still slower than allied types and less rugged. Having adequate speed (faster than the Zero but slower than the Hellcat), the ''Shiden Kai'' offered pilots an agile aircraft with a roll rate of 82°/sec at 386 km/h (240 mph), and carried four 20 mm [[Autocannon|cannons]] in the wings. As a bomber [[Interceptor aircraft|interceptor]], the N1K2-J fared less well, hampered by a poor [[rate of climb]] and reduced engine performance at high altitude.{{sfn|Francillon|1971|pp=57–58}}{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=325}}

===343 Kōkūtai===
{{unreferenced section|date=January 2020}}
[[File:N1K2-J-1.jpg|thumb|left|Captured Kawanishi N1K2-Js having their ''Homare'' engines run up by former IJNAS groundcrew.]]

The N1K2-J ''Shiden Kai'' offered a formidable, if demanding, aircraft in limited quantities. As a result, the planes were distributed to elite naval fighter units such as ''[[343 Kōkūtai]]'' ("343rd Naval Air Group"), constituted on 25 December 1944 and commanded by [[Minoru Genda]]. ''This unit was highly successful for its very brief history.'' [[File:SHIDEN Bulletproof glass.jpg|thumb|upright|The ''Shiden'''s bulletproof glass.]]

==Variants==
;N1K1 ''Kyōfū''
* '''N1K1 ''Kyōfū''''': Standard type as floatplane, which was used from early 1943, with [[Mitsubishi Kasei|Mitsubishi MK4C ''Kasei'' 13]] engine.
* '''N1K2 ''Kyōfū Kai''''': Reserved name for an intended model with larger engine, not built.

;N1K1-J ''Shiden''
* '''N1K1-J''' Prototypes: development of fighter hydroplane N1K1 ''Kyōfū'', with 1,820&nbsp;hp [[Nakajima Homare|Homare 11]] engine.
* '''N1K1-J ''Shiden'' Model 11''': Navy Land Based Interceptor, first production model with 1,990&nbsp;hp [[Nakajima Homare|Homare 21]] engine and revised cover, armed with two 7.7&nbsp;mm [[Type 97 aircraft machine gun|Type 97 machine guns]] and two 20&nbsp;mm [[Type 99 cannon]]s. Modified total-vision [[cockpit]].
* '''N1K1-Ja ''Shiden'' Model 11A''': without frontal 7.7&nbsp;mm Type 97s, with only four 20&nbsp;mm Type 99s in wings.
* '''N1K1-Jb ''Shiden'' Model 11B''': similar to Model 11A amongst load two 250&nbsp;kg bombs, revised wing weapons.
* '''N1K1-Jc ''Shiden'' Model 11C''': definitive [[fighter-bomber]] version, derived from Model 11B. Four bomb racks under wings.
* '''N1K1-J Kai a''' Experimental version with auxiliary rocket. One Model 11 conversion.
* '''N1K1-J Kai b''' Conversion for dive bombing. One 250&nbsp;kg bomb under belly and six rockets under wings.

;N1K2-J ''Shiden-Kai''
* '''N1K2-J''' Prototypes: N1K1-Jb redesigned. Low wings, engine cover and landing gear modified. New fuselage and tail, 8 built.
* '''N1K2-J ''Shiden Kai'' Model 21''': Navy Land Based Interceptor, first model of series with a Nakajima [[Nakajima Homare|Homare 21]] engine.
* '''N1K2-Ja ''Shiden Kai'' Model 21A''': Fighter Interceptor version: 2,000&nbsp;hp Homare 21-18 engine with a low wing and larger prop design with four 250&nbsp;kg ground bombs. Fixed problem with teething pains of N1K2 J at high altitude.
* '''N1K2-K ''Shiden Kai Rensen'' 1, Model A''': Fighter Trainer, modified from N1K-J Series with two seats, operative or factory conversions.

;Further variants
* '''N1K3-J ''Shiden Kai 1'', Model 31''': Prototypes: Engines displaced to ahead, two 13.2&nbsp;mm Type 3 machine guns in front, 2 built.
* '''N1K3-A ''Shiden Kai 2'', Model 41''': Prototypes: Carrier-based version of N1K3-J, 2 built.
* '''N1K4-J ''Shiden Kai 3'', Model 32''': Prototypes: 2,000&nbsp;hp [[Nakajima Homare|Homare 23]] engine, 2 built.
* '''N1K4-A ''Shiden Kai 4'', Model 42''': Prototype: Experimental conversion of N1K4-J example with equipment for use in carriers, 1 built.
* '''N1K5-J ''Shiden Kai 5'', Model 25''': High-Altitude Interceptor version with Mitsubishi HA-43 (MK9A) with 2,200 takeoff hp, project only.

===Production===
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
| style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="14" ; align="left"| '''N1K1 Production: [[Kawanishi Aircraft Company|Kawanishi Kokuki K.K.]]'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 12-13">{{cite book |title=Corporation Report III: Kawanishi Aircraft Company |publisher=United States Strategic Bombing Survey Aircraft Division |place=Washington, D.C. |date=April 1947 |at=[https://archive.org/stream/corporationrepor18unit#page/12/mode/2up Appendix C., p. 12-13] |url=https://archive.org/stream/corporationrepor18unit#page/n3/mode/2up}}</ref>
|-
! rowspan=2| Year
|-
! Jan. || Feb. || Mar. || Apr. || May || June || July || Aug. || Sept. || Oct. || Nov. || Dec. || Annual
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1942
| || || || || || || || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 1 || style="background: #eee;" | 3
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1943
| 2 || 1 || 0 || 1 || 0 || 0 || 5 || 8 || 9 || 11 || 13 || 15 || style="background: #eee;" | 65
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1944
| 9 || 10 || 10 || || || || || || || || || || style="background: #eee;" | 29
|- style="background: #eee;"
| style="text-align:center" | Total
| || || || || || || || || || || || || style="border-top: black solid"| 97
|}

* First prototype completed in April 1942, and made its maiden flight on 6 May 1942.{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=318}}
* Pre-production started with eight prototypes and service trials aircraft completed from August 1942 to December 1942, and with a further five, in the following year.{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=319}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
| style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="14" ; align="left"| '''N1K1-J Production: [[Kawanishi Aircraft Company|Kawanishi Kokuki K.K.]]'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 12-13"/>
|-
! rowspan=2| Year
|-
! Jan. || Feb. || Mar. || Apr. || May || June || July || Aug. || Sept. || Oct. || Nov. || Dec. || Annual
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1943
| || || || || || || 4 || 6 || 11 || 14 || 16 || 20 || style="background: #eee;" | 71
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1944
| 17 || 40 || 65 || 93 || 17 || 71 || 90 || 92 || 106 || 100 || 82 || 51 || style="background: #eee;" | 824
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1945
| 24 || 30 || 30 || 15 || 7 || 6 || || || || || || || style="background: #eee;" | 112
|- style="background: #eee;"
| style="text-align:center" | Total
| || || || || || || || || || || || || style="border-top: black solid"| 1,007
|}

* Pre-production started with nine prototypes and service trials aircraft completed from July 1943 to Aug. 1943.{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=329}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
| style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="14" ; align="left"| '''N1K2-J Production: [[Kawanishi Aircraft Company|Kawanishi Kokuki K.K.]]'''<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 12-13"/>
|-
! rowspan=2| Year
|-
! Jan. || Feb. || Mar. || Apr. || May || June || July || Aug. || Sept. || Oct. || Nov. || Dec. || Annual
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1943
| || || || || || || || || || || || 1 || style="background: #eee;" | 1
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1944
| 1 || 1 || 1 || 2 || 1 || 1 || 3 || 2 || 1 || 6 || 7 || 31 || style="background: #eee;" | 67
|-
|style="text-align:center"| 1945
| 35 || 47 || 58 || 80 || 81 || 20 || 12 || 5 || || || || || style="background: #eee;" | 338
|- style="background: #eee;"
| style="text-align:center" | Total
| || || || || || || || || || || || || style="border-top: black solid"| 406
|}

* Pre-production started with eight prototypes and service trials aircraft completed from Dec. 1943 to May. 1944.{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=329}}

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align: right; width: 100%"
| style="background:#ccc" ; colspan="2" align="left" |'''Total Production:'''
|-
| style="text-align:left" | According&nbsp;to&nbsp;USSBS&nbsp;Report:&nbsp;1,509&nbsp;<ref name="USSBS, 1947. p. 12-13"/>
| style="text-align:left" | Figure includes: 97 N1K1, 1,007 N1K1-J and 406 N1K2-J builds.
|-
| style="text-align:left" | According&nbsp;to&nbsp;Francillon:&nbsp;1,532&nbsp;{{sfn|Francillon|1979|p=329}}
| style="text-align:left" | Figure includes: 97 N1K1, 1,007 N1K1-J and 423 N1K2-J + K builds, with 2 N1K3-J, 2 N1K4-J, 1 N1K4-A prototypes.
|}
==Operators==
;{{JPN}}
* [[Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service]]

==Surviving aircraft==
[[File:Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai, Naval Aviation Museum.jpg|thumb|N1K2-J on display at the National Naval Aviation Museum]]
[[File:Shiden-kai-side2.jpg|thumb|The 343 Kōkūtai's ''Shiden-Kai'', discovered on November 18, 1978, in Jyoen Hisayoshi Bay. The aircraft is displayed at Nanreku Misho Koen, Ehime Prefecture, Japan.<ref>Pacific Wrecks, [http://www.pacificwrecks.com/aircraft/n1k2/ehime.html IJN 343 Kōkūtai, N1K2-J Model 21]</ref> It is possible that it is the one was flown by ace-pilot Kaneyoshi Muto.]]

All four surviving ''Shiden Kai'' aircraft are now displayed in American and Japanese museums, while all three surviving ''Kyofu'' aircraft are displayed/stored in American museums.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/kawanishi-n1k2-ja-shiden-violet-lightning-kai-modified-george|title=Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden (Violet Lightning) Kai (Modified) GEORGE|date=2016-04-07|website=National Air and Space Museum|language=en|access-date=2019-05-15|url-status=dead}}</ref>

One N1K2-J (s/n 5128, tail code A343-19)<ref name=Deano2018>Aces Flying High, [https://acesflyinghigh.wordpress.com/2018/03/10/the-survivors-kawanishi-n1k2-j-shiden-kai-when-violet-lightning-strikes/ The Survivors: Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden Kai – When Violet Lightning Strikes!]</ref> is at the [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] at [[Naval Air Station Pensacola]], [[Florida]].<ref>National Naval Aviation Museum, [https://www.navalaviationmuseum.org/aircraft/n1k2-shiden-kai-george/ N1K2 Shiden-Kai (George)]</ref>

The second N1K2-Ja (s/n 5312<ref name=Deano2018 />), a fighter-bomber variant equipped with wing mounts to carry bombs, is on display in the Air Power gallery at the [[National Museum of the United States Air Force]], at [[Wright-Patterson Air Force Base]] near [[Dayton, Ohio]]. This aircraft was displayed outside for many years in a children's playground in [[San Diego, California|San Diego]], suffering considerable corrosion, and had become seriously deteriorated. In 1959 it was donated to the Museum through the cooperation of the San Diego Squadron of the [[Air Force Association]].<ref>''United States Air Force Museum Guidebook''. Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio: Air Force Museum Foundation, 1975, p. 48.</ref>{{sfn|Werneth|2008|p=18}}
[[File:Japanese WW2 aircraft. NASM Udvar Hazy Center. 07-05-2015.jpg|thumb|N1K2-J A343-35 on display at the [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]], positioned alongside the museum's other Japanese military aircraft]]
The third example (s/n 5341, tail code A343-35)<ref name=Deano2018 /> is owned by the [[National Air and Space Museum]] but was restored by the [[Champlin Fighter Museum]] at [[Falcon Field (Mesa, Arizona)|Falcon Field]], [[Mesa, Arizona]],<ref>GossHawk Unlimited, [https://gosshawkunlimited.com/services/restoration/kawanishi-n1k2-j-george/ Kawanishi N1K2-J "George"]</ref> in return for the right to display the aircraft at Falcon Field for 10 years after restoration. It currently is on display at the [[National Air and Space Museum]]'s [[Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center]] in [[Chantilly, Virginia]].<ref>National Air and Space Museum, [http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19830237000 Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131110001709/http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19830237000 |date=2013-11-10 }}</ref>

The fourth authentic ''Shiden-Kai'' is displayed in a local museum at Nanreku Misho Koen in [[Ehime Prefecture]], [[Shikoku]], Japan.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.ww2wrecks.com/portfolio/salvaged-and-restored-the-story-of-the-kawanishi-n1k-j-shiden-%E7%B4%AB%E9%9B%BB-probably-flown-by-kaneyoshi-muto-%E6%AD%A6%E8%97%A4-%E9%87%91%E7%BE%A9/ |author=Pierre Kosmidis |title=Salvaged and restored: The story of the Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden 紫電 probably flown by Kaneyoshi Muto 武藤 金義 |website=WW2 Wrecks.com}}</ref> This aircraft is known to be from the 343rd Kōkūtai, as the unit flew sorties in the area, but the tail code is unknown as it was partially restored from a corroded wreck recovered from the sea. After an aerial battle on July 24, 1945, its pilot ditched the aircraft in the waters of the [[Bungo Channel]], but he was never found; by the time of the aircraft's recovery from the seabed on July 14, 1979, he could be identified only as one of six pilots from the 343rd squadron who disappeared that day. Photographs of the six—including [[Takashi Oshibuchi]], commander of the 701 ''[[Hikōtai]]'', and [[Kaneyoshi Muto]]—are displayed under the aircraft engine. In 2019, the aircraft was restored to non-flying condition.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www3.nhk.or.jp/news/special/senseki/article_109.html|title=94歳 最後のパイロットの遺言｜戦跡 薄れる戦争の記憶 NHK｜|website=戦跡 薄れる戦争の記憶｜NHK}}</ref>
[[File:N1K Kyōfū (Allied Codename - Rex).jpg|thumb|N1K1 Kyōfū (s/n 562) at the National Museum of the Pacific War.]]
N1K1 Kyōfū (s/n 514) is in storage at the [[National Air and Space Museum]]'s [[Paul E. Garber Preservation, Restoration, and Storage Facility]] in [[Suitland, Maryland]].

N1K1 Kyōfū (s/n 562) is located on display at the [[National Museum of the Pacific War]] in [[Fredricksburg, Texas]].

N1K1 Kyōfū (s/n 565), formerly displayed at [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Willow Grove]], [[Horsham Township, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania]], stored at the [[National Naval Aviation Museum]] in [[Pensacola, Florida]]. Now being restored by American Aero Services, [[New Smyrna Beach, Florida]], for the [[American Heritage Museum]] in [[Stow, Massachusetts]].

==Specifications (N1K1-J)==
{{Aircraft specs
|ref={{sfn|Francillon|1979|pp=320–329}} TAIC 107 A1 Report : Kawanishi N1K1-J<ref name="TAIC">{{cite book |title=TAIC 107 A1 report : Kawanishi N1K1-J |date=1946 |publisher=Air Intelligence Centre |url=http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/japan/George-107A.pdf |access-date=14 June 2019}}</ref>
|prime units?=met
|crew=1
|length m=8.885
|span m=12
|height m=4.06
|wing area sqm=23.5
|airfoil=LB620515-6075<ref name="Selig">{{cite web |last1=Lednicer |first1=David |title=The Incomplete Guide to Airfoil Usage |url=https://m-selig.ae.illinois.edu/ads/aircraft.html |website=m-selig.ae.illinois.edu |access-date=16 April 2019}}</ref>
|empty weight kg=2897
|gross weight kg=3900
|max takeoff weight kg=4321
|fuel capacity={{cvt|477|L|USgal impgal}} internal <big>+</big> {{cvt|323|L|USgal impgal}} drop tank; maximum {{cvt|800|L|USgal impgal}} 
<!--Powerplant-->
|eng1 number=1|eng1 name=[[Nakajima NK9H Homare 21]]|eng1 type=18-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engine|eng1 hp=1975
|eng1 note=at sea level
|prop blade number=4|prop dia ft=9|prop dia in=9.6|prop dia note=constant-speed propeller
<!--Performance-->
|max speed kmh=571
|max speed note=at {{cvt|7717|lb|order=flip}} at sea level
:*{{cvt|656|km/h}} at {{cvt|20000|ft|order=flip}}
|range km=1078
|range note=at {{cvt|272|km/h}} at {{cvt|1500|ft|order=flip}}
:*{{cvt|813|km}} at 75% V<sub>max</sub>at {{cvt|391|km/h}} at {{cvt|1500|ft|order=flip}}
|ferry range km=1746
|ferry range note=maximum with drop tank at {{cvt|269|km/h}} at {{cvt|1500|ft|order=flip}}
:*{{cvt|1078|km}} at 75% V<sub>max</sub> at {{cvt|381.5|km/h}} at {{cvt|1500|ft|order=flip}}
|ceiling m=12009
|climb rate ms=19.7
|climb rate note=at {{cvt|7717|lb|order=flip}} at sea level
:*4,065 ft/min at {{cvt|7717|lb|order=flip}} at {{cvt|5900|ft|0|order=flip}}
|time to altitude={{cvt|10000|ft|order=flip}} in 2 minutes 36 seconds
:*{{cvt|20000|ft|order=flip}} in 5 minutes 36 seconds
|wing loading kg/m2=166
|power/mass={{cvt|0.23|hp/lb|order=flip}}
<!--Armament-->
|guns=<br/>
:* 4 × {{cvt|20|mm}} [[Type 99 Mark 2 machine gun]]s in the wings.
|bombs=<br/>
:* 2 × {{cvt|250|kg}} bombs 
::or
:* 1 × {{cvt|323|L|USgal impgal}} drop tank
|avionics=
}}

==See also==
{{aircontent|
|related=
|similar aircraft=
* [[Focke-Wulf Fw 190]]D
* [[Grumman F6F Hellcat]]
* [[Grumman F8F Bearcat]]
* [[Hawker Tempest]]
* [[Kawasaki Ki-100]]
* [[Lavochkin La-7]]
* [[Mitsubishi J2M Raiden]]
* [[Nakajima Ki-84]]
* [[Republic P-47 Thunderbolt]]
* [[Vought F4U Corsair]]
|lists=
* [[List of aircraft of Japan during World War II]]
* [[List of aircraft of World War II]]
* [[List of fighter aircraft]]
* [[List of military aircraft of Japan]]
}}

==References==
===Notes===
{{Reflist|group="Notes"}}

===Citations===
{{Reflist}}

===Bibliography===
* {{cite book |last1=Angelucci |first1=Enzo |first2=Paolo |last2=Matricardi |title=World Aircraft: World War II, Volume II |series=Sampson Low Guides |place=Maidenhead, UK |publisher=Sampson Low |year=1978 |isbn=0-562-00096-8}}
* {{Cite book|last=Francillon|first=René J.|title=Japanese aircraft of the Pacific War|date=1979 |publisher=Putnam|isbn=0-370-30251-6|location=London|oclc=6124909}} (new edition 1987 by Putnam Aeronautical Books, {{ISBN|0-85177-801-1}}.)
* {{cite book|last=Francillon|first=René J.|title=Kawanishi Kyofu, Shiden and Shiden Kai Variants (Aircraft in Profile 213) |place=Windsor, Berkshire, UK |publisher=Profile Publications|year=1971}}
* Galbiati, Fabio. "Battaglia Aerea del 19 Marzo su Kure.(in Italian)." ''Storia Militare magazine'', Albertelli edizioni, N.166, July 2007.
* {{cite book|last=Green|first=William|title=Famous Fighters of the Second World War|place=Garden City, NY |publisher=Doubleday & Company|year=1960}}
* Green, William. ''Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume Three: Fighters''. London: Macdonald & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., 1961 (seventh impression 1973). {{ISBN|0-356-01447-9}}.
* {{cite journal |last1=Huggins|first1=Mark|title=Setting Sun: Japanese Air Defence of the Philippines 1944–1945|journal=Air Enthusiast|date=May–June 1999|issue=81|pages=28–35 |issn=0143-5450}}
* Koseski, Krystian. ''Kawanishi N1K1/N1k2-J "Shiden/Kai"'' (in Polish). Warszawa, Poland: Wydawnictwo Susei, 1991. {{ISBN|83-900216-0-9}}.
* Mondey, David. ''The Hamlyn Concise Guide to Axis Aircraft of World War II''. London: Bounty Books, 2006. {{ISBN|0-7537-1460-4}}.
* Sakaida, Henry. ''Imperial Japanese Navy Aces, 1937–45''. Botley, Oxford, UK: Osprey Publishing, 1998. {{ISBN|1-85532-727-9}}.
* Sakaida, Henry and Koji Takaki. ''Genda's Blade: Japan's Squadron of Aces, 343 Kōkūtai''. Hersham, Surrey, UK: Classic Publications, 2003. {{ISBN|1-903223-25-3}}.
* {{cite book|last=Tillman|first=Barrett|title=Whirlwind: The Air War Against Japan, 1942–1945|place=New York|publisher=Simon & Schuster|year=2010|isbn=978-1-41658-441-4}}
* {{cite magazine |last=Werneth |first=Ron |title=Rebirth of a Forgotten Japanese Navy Fighter |magazine=Flight Journal |volume=13 |number=3 |date=June 2008}}

==External links==
{{Commons category}}

* [http://www.wwiiaircraftperformance.org/japan/George-107A.pdf TACI 107A1 Report "George 11" ]

{{Kawanishi aircraft}}
{{Japanese Navy short aircraft designations}}
{{Imperial Japanese Navy official aircraft names}}
{{Allied reporting names}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1940s Japanese fighter aircraft]]
[[Category:Kawanishi aircraft]]
[[Category:Floatplanes|Kawanishi N1K]]
[[Category:Single-engined tractor aircraft]]
[[Category:Mid-wing aircraft]]
[[Category:Aircraft first flown in 1942]]
[[Category:Aircraft with retractable conventional landing gear]]
[[Category:Single-engined piston aircraft]]