The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (紫電 “Violet Lightning”) was an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service land-based version of the N1K. Assigned the reporting name “George”, the N1K-J was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during World War II. The Shiden Kai possessed heavy armament as well as surprisingly good manoeuvrability, due to a mercury switch that automatically extended the flaps during turns. These “combat” flaps created more lift, thereby allowing tighter turns. Unlike the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, the Shiden Kai could compete against the best late-war Allied fighters, such as the F6F Hellcat, F4U Corsair, and P-51 Mustang.
Production difficulties and damage resulting from B-29 raids on factories led to only 415 of the superior N1K2-J fighters being produced. The N1K2-J Shiden-Kai proved to be one of the best dogfighting aircraft produced by either side. Along with high speed the Shiden-Kai offered pilots an agile aircraft with a roll rate of 82°/sec at 386 km/h (240 mph) backing four powerful 20 mm cannons in the wings. As a bomber interceptor the N1K2-J fared less well, hampered as it was by a poor rate of climb and reduced engine performance at high altitude.
This is a rebuild of an older “botched” first attempt. Being this kit is over 45 years old, I was pleasantly surprised by its recessed panel lines and other details. The fit was overall very good, but some of the details were lacking in areas which I modified. There is a large amount of scratch building in the cockpit, wheel wells, engine, and left gun bay. I wanted to build something different, and this is it. I hope you like it as much as I liked building it:
Your feedback is encouraged… Happy Modeling!!