Difference between revisions of "N1K2-Ja"

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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=n1k2_jko
 
|code=n1k2_jko
−
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
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|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
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The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27.
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The '''N1K2-Ja''', designated as '''Shiden Kai Mod. 21 Ko ({{Annotation|紫電改二一型甲|Violet Lightning, Improved, Model 21A}})''', was a minor modification of the [[N1K2-J]]. It increased the bomb load capacity, allowing for either four 60 kg bombs or two 250 kg bombs, and reduced the vertical stabilizer area by 13% by cutting the leading edge. This change improved the aircraft's balance between manoeuvrability and stability, making it an even more versatile fighter.
 +
 
 +
It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Shiden Kai is a challenging aircraft to master. It has superior manoeuvrability over early jets, but they have a significant speed advantage. The only jet that can rival its agility is the [[Yak-15]], but it suffers from low speed, climb rate, and ammunition. The N1K2-Ja can easily outperform most conventional propeller planes, but it faces difficulties against other superprops, which have better overall performance. The N1K2-Ja should rely on its mid-speed handling to gain the upper hand in dogfights. In ground battles, it can excel as a fighter-bomber employing two 250 kg bombs or Type 5 rockets next to its four 20 mm cannons which can load a solid belt of APHE which can reliably destroy soft targets and top-down medium armoured vehicles.
 +
 
 +
;Nicknames:
 +
 
 +
* [[Abbreviations#.28IJN.29_Official_name_designation|Official Designation]]: ''紫電改 (Shiden Kai, "Violet Lightning, Improved")''
 +
* Allied reporting name: George
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
Line 78: Line 85:
 
* 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 
* 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
 
* 12 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
 
* 12 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
 +
* Engine fire system (EFS)
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
Line 104: Line 112:
 
* 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (240 kg total)
 
* 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (240 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (500 kg total)
 
* 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (500 kg total)
−
* 4 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (1,000 kg total)
 
 
* 2 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
 
* 2 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
 
* 2 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
 
* 2 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
Line 117: Line 124:
 
Although it can fight admirably against jets, the N1K2-Ja will find itself coming up short against many of the other nation's top tier superprops. It cannot keep up with the [[P-51H-5-NA|P-51H]], [[F4U-4B]], [[F8F-1B|F8F]], [[I-225]], [[La-9]], [[Tempest (Family)|Tempests]], [[Spitfire (Family)|Griffon Spitfires]], [[G.56]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|late Bf 109s]], or [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190 D's]] of its tier. Fortunately, most of the previously mentioned aircraft cannot turn with the N1K2, so the ''Shiden-Kai'' can use its superb mid-speed manoeuvrability to turn circles around its opponents. The main exception to this is the uncommon G.56, which is the closest thing the N1K2 has to a hard counter. It can turn with it, outspeed it, out-dive it, beat it in an energy fight and shred it with the triad of 20 mm MG 151s, so it is highly recommended to either avoid the G.56 or take it out while it's preoccupied with a teammate.
 
Although it can fight admirably against jets, the N1K2-Ja will find itself coming up short against many of the other nation's top tier superprops. It cannot keep up with the [[P-51H-5-NA|P-51H]], [[F4U-4B]], [[F8F-1B|F8F]], [[I-225]], [[La-9]], [[Tempest (Family)|Tempests]], [[Spitfire (Family)|Griffon Spitfires]], [[G.56]], [[Bf 109 (Family)|late Bf 109s]], or [[Fw 190 (Family)|Fw 190 D's]] of its tier. Fortunately, most of the previously mentioned aircraft cannot turn with the N1K2, so the ''Shiden-Kai'' can use its superb mid-speed manoeuvrability to turn circles around its opponents. The main exception to this is the uncommon G.56, which is the closest thing the N1K2 has to a hard counter. It can turn with it, outspeed it, out-dive it, beat it in an energy fight and shred it with the triad of 20 mm MG 151s, so it is highly recommended to either avoid the G.56 or take it out while it's preoccupied with a teammate.
  
−
The N1K2-Ja can take on a relatively new role for Japanese fighters; a fighter/bomber. With its ability to mount up to 4 x 250 kg bombs or two of the massive Type 5 No.6 rockets, the N1K2 can be Japan's best ground attacker and will make enemy tanks quake in fear. The Type 98 Number 25 bombs are roughly equivalent to the American [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] 500 lb bombs, and are all mounted on wing racks, allowing for precise bomb placement on targets. On the flip-side, the Type 5 No.6 rockets have no direct comparison but play somewhat similarly to a watered-down American [[Tiny Tim]] rocket or Swedish [[hprak m/49]] rocket. Despite their relatively low velocity and higher weight, they are still quite accurate and are able to be launched quite close to the target with minimal threat of self-damage.
+
The N1K2-Ja can take on a relatively new role for Japanese fighters; a fighter/bomber. With its ability to mount 2 x 250 kg bombs or two of the massive Type 5 No.6 rockets, the N1K2 can be Japan's best ground attacker and will make enemy tanks quake in fear. The Type 98 Number 25 bombs are roughly equivalent to the American [[AN-M64A1 (500 lb)|AN-M64A1]] 500 lb bombs, and are mounted on wing racks, allowing for precise bomb placement on targets. On the flip-side, the Type 5 No.6 rockets have no direct comparison but play somewhat similarly to a watered-down American [[Tiny Tim]] rocket or Swedish [[hprak m/49]] rocket. Despite their relatively low velocity and higher weight, they are still quite accurate and are able to be launched quite close to the target with minimal threat of self-damage.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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** Absurd amount of ammunition (200-250 rpg with 900 rounds in total)
 
** Absurd amount of ammunition (200-250 rpg with 900 rounds in total)
 
** Cannons themselves are reasonable in all aspects, and take far longer to jam than their contemporaries
 
** Cannons themselves are reasonable in all aspects, and take far longer to jam than their contemporaries
−
** Can carry as much bombs as an average Japanese army bomber
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
Line 164: Line 170:
 
* Can catch on fire easily, and often gets destroyed in the process
 
* Can catch on fire easily, and often gets destroyed in the process
 
* Often faces jets
 
* Often faces jets
 +
* Slow in comparison of what it has to face
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
{{main|N1K (Family)|l1=History of the N1K}}
 
{{main|N1K (Family)|l1=History of the N1K}}
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=== In-game description ===
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{{break}}
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{{Navigation-Start|{{Annotation|Archive of the in-game description|An archive of the historical description of the vehicle that was presented in-game prior to Update 1.55 'Royal Armour'}}|expand=true}}
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{{Navigation-First-Simple-Line}}
 
Kawanishi Shiden-Kai Model 21Ko, Kawanishi N1K2-Ja (code name "George") Marine Interceptor-Fighter
 
Kawanishi Shiden-Kai Model 21Ko, Kawanishi N1K2-Ja (code name "George") Marine Interceptor-Fighter
  
Line 184: Line 194:
  
 
Production of the N1K2-J ended after Japan surrendered. In all, 1,435 Shidens of all variants were constructed, including 998 N1K1-Js and 415 N1K2-Js.
 
Production of the N1K2-J ended after Japan surrendered. In all, 1,435 Shidens of all variants were constructed, including 998 N1K1-Js and 415 N1K2-Js.
 +
{{Navigation-End}}
  
 
== Media ==
 
== Media ==
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=n1k2_jko Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=n1k2_jko Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
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{{Skin-gallery
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{{Skin-gallery |market|ugcitem_1000528|N1K2-Ja Fictional Trainer.jpg|Camo "Primary Trainer"}}
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|market|ugcitem_1000528|N1K2-Ja Fictional Trainer.jpg|Camo "Primary Trainer"
 
−
}}
 
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 199: Line 208:
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''reference to the series of the aircraft;''
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 
* ''links to approximate analogues of other nations and research trees.'' -->
 +
 
;;Related Development
 
;;Related Development
 +
 
* [[N1K1]] - (Kyofu Model 11; Base hydroplane model)
 
* [[N1K1]] - (Kyofu Model 11; Base hydroplane model)
 
* [[N1K1-Ja]] - (Shiden Model 11A; N1K1-J with 7.7mm's removed from the fuselage and 4x20mm in the wings)
 
* [[N1K1-Ja]] - (Shiden Model 11A; N1K1-J with 7.7mm's removed from the fuselage and 4x20mm in the wings)
 
* [[N1K2-J]] - (Shiden Kai Model 21; Redesigned wings and fuselage)
 
* [[N1K2-J]] - (Shiden Kai Model 21; Redesigned wings and fuselage)
−
* [[N1K2-Ja]] - (Shiden Kai Model 21A; More powerful engine, larger prop)
 
  
 
== External links ==
 
== External links ==
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
−
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 15:36, 8 September 2024

RANK 5 FRANCE
Somua SM PACK
This page is about the Japanese fighter N1K2-Ja. For other variants, see N1K (Family).
N1K2-Ja
n1k2_jko.png
GarageImage N1K2-Ja.jpg
ArtImage N1K2-Ja.png
N1K2-Ja
Japan flag.png Japan
IV Rank
Battle rating:
AB RB SB
6.0 6.0 6.3
Class:
Research:35 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:210 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png
Show in game

Description

The N1K2-Ja, designated as Shiden Kai Mod. 21 Ko (紫電改二一型甲), was a minor modification of the N1K2-J. It increased the bomb load capacity, allowing for either four 60 kg bombs or two 250 kg bombs, and reduced the vertical stabilizer area by 13% by cutting the leading edge. This change improved the aircraft's balance between manoeuvrability and stability, making it an even more versatile fighter.

It has been in the game since the start of the Open Beta Test prior to Update 1.27. The Shiden Kai is a challenging aircraft to master. It has superior manoeuvrability over early jets, but they have a significant speed advantage. The only jet that can rival its agility is the Yak-15, but it suffers from low speed, climb rate, and ammunition. The N1K2-Ja can easily outperform most conventional propeller planes, but it faces difficulties against other superprops, which have better overall performance. The N1K2-Ja should rely on its mid-speed handling to gain the upper hand in dogfights. In ground battles, it can excel as a fighter-bomber employing two 250 kg bombs or Type 5 rockets next to its four 20 mm cannons which can load a solid belt of APHE which can reliably destroy soft targets and top-down medium armoured vehicles.

Nicknames
  • Official Designation: 紫電改 (Shiden Kai, "Violet Lightning, Improved")
  • Allied reporting name: George

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 6 000 m650 km/h
Turn time19 s
Max altitude11 000 m
EngineNakajima Homare 21
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight4 t
Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 6,000 m) 		Max altitude
(metres) 		Turn time
(seconds) 		Rate of climb
(metres/second) 		Take-off run
(metres)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 626 610 11000 19.8 20.4 14.2 14.2 300
Upgraded 675 650 18.5 19.0 23.2 18.2

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
✓ ✓ ✓ X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
0 450 498 469 320 ~12 ~10
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 430 < 460 < 400 > 324

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural0 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 12 mm Steel plate in pilot's seat
  • Engine fire system (EFS)

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB3 050 → 4 099 Sl icon.png
RB7 069 → 9 500 Sl icon.png
SB11 223 → 15 083 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications61 800 Rp icon.png
102 600 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 800 Ge icon.png
Crew training61 000 Sl icon.png
Experts210 000 Sl icon.png
Aces1 200 Ge icon.png
Research Aces570 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
110 / 240 / 530 % Sl icon.png
178 / 178 / 178 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods engine extinguisher.png
EFS
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 800 Sl icon.png
310 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
7 in (mod20)
Research:
3 500 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
260 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods ammo.png
type99mk2_belt_pack
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 0.png
Mods pilon bomb.png
12 in (mod30)
Research:
3 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 200 Sl icon.png
230 Ge icon.png
Mods weapon.png
type99mk2_new_gun
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png
Mods pilon rocket.png
Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets
Research:
4 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
6 600 Sl icon.png
300 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Weapon 14 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannon
Ammunition900 rounds
Fire rate490 shots/min
Main article: Type 99 Model 2 (20 mm)

The N1K2-Ja is armed with:

  • 4 x 20 mm Type 99 Model 2 cannons, wing-mounted (250 rpg outer + 200 rpg inner = 900 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (6)
Setup 14 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
Setup 22 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bomb
Setup 32 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
Setup 42 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
Setup 52 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
Setup 62 x Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets
Main articles: Navy Type 97 Number 6 (60 kg), Navy Type 98 Number 25 (250 kg)
Main articles: Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1, Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1, Type 5 No.1 Mod.9, Type 5 No.6 Mod.9

The N1K2-Ja can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (240 kg total)
  • 2 x 250 kg Navy Type 98 Number 25 bombs (500 kg total)
  • 2 x Type 3 No.1 Mod.28 Mk.1 rockets
  • 2 x Type 5 No.1 Mod.9 rockets
  • 2 x Type 3 No.6 Mod.27 Mk.1 rockets
  • 2 x Type 5 No.6 Mod.9 rockets

Usage in battles

The N1K2-Ja is a very tricky aircraft to use. It can face early jet fighters such as the F-80A-5, Yak-15/17, He 162, J/A21R, and in Arcade, the F-84B-26. These jet aircraft hold a hefty speed advantage over the Shiden-Kai, but typically have very poor manoeuvrability, meaning the N1K pilot can abuse its excellent handling at medium speeds and shred the previously mentioned jets if their pilots are foolish enough to try and turn-fight. The one exception to this is the Yak-15, which retains the turning abilities of its airframe; the Yak-3. However, the Yak-15 suffers from a relatively low top speed and climb rate for a jet, along with sub-par vertical energy retention. Above all those, its ammunition pool is abysmal at only 120 rounds total, meaning the N1K2 pilot could potentially win an engagement just by remaining difficult to hit.

Although it can fight admirably against jets, the N1K2-Ja will find itself coming up short against many of the other nation's top tier superprops. It cannot keep up with the P-51H, F4U-4B, F8F, I-225, La-9, Tempests, Griffon Spitfires, G.56, late Bf 109s, or Fw 190 D's of its tier. Fortunately, most of the previously mentioned aircraft cannot turn with the N1K2, so the Shiden-Kai can use its superb mid-speed manoeuvrability to turn circles around its opponents. The main exception to this is the uncommon G.56, which is the closest thing the N1K2 has to a hard counter. It can turn with it, outspeed it, out-dive it, beat it in an energy fight and shred it with the triad of 20 mm MG 151s, so it is highly recommended to either avoid the G.56 or take it out while it's preoccupied with a teammate.

The N1K2-Ja can take on a relatively new role for Japanese fighters; a fighter/bomber. With its ability to mount 2 x 250 kg bombs or two of the massive Type 5 No.6 rockets, the N1K2 can be Japan's best ground attacker and will make enemy tanks quake in fear. The Type 98 Number 25 bombs are roughly equivalent to the American AN-M64A1 500 lb bombs, and are mounted on wing racks, allowing for precise bomb placement on targets. On the flip-side, the Type 5 No.6 rockets have no direct comparison but play somewhat similarly to a watered-down American Tiny Tim rocket or Swedish hprak m/49 rocket. Despite their relatively low velocity and higher weight, they are still quite accurate and are able to be launched quite close to the target with minimal threat of self-damage.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Controllable
Not auto controlled 		Separate Controllable
2 gears 		Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Flight performance
    • Reasonable manoeuvrability at medium speeds (300-500 km/h)
    • Great energy retention
    • Solid acceleration once upgraded
    • Combat flaps are efficient while in dogfighting
    • Decent rate of climb
    • Relatively good diving characteristics for a Japanese aircraft
  • Armament
    • Absurd amount of ammunition (200-250 rpg with 900 rounds in total)
    • Cannons themselves are reasonable in all aspects, and take far longer to jam than their contemporaries

Cons:

  • Flight performance
    • Mediocre roll rate
    • Severely stiffens at higher speeds
    • Can be outmanoeuvred easily by the fighters at its tier if not used correctly
    • Unless approached correctly, completely outclassed by the Spitfire Mk. IX and F8Fs
  • Stock grind can be outright painful
    • Weak stock belts, which require a tier III modification to upgrade
  • Can catch on fire easily, and often gets destroyed in the process
  • Often faces jets
  • Slow in comparison of what it has to face

History

Main article: History of the N1K


Archive of the in-game description

Kawanishi Shiden-Kai Model 21Ko, Kawanishi N1K2-Ja (code name "George") Marine Interceptor-Fighter

This fighter-bomber version of the N1K2, the N1K2-Ja Model 21Ko, was developed at the time the N1K2-J began production. The main difference between the two planes was the 21Ko's steel underwing pylons. This Shiden-Kai could carry four 250-kg bombs, two under each wing, or two 500-kg bombs, or two or four 60-kg bombs. It could also carry unguided rockets, like the N1K2-J.

The N1K2-Ja could be visibly distinguished from its predecessor by the lower position and reduced area of its horizontal fin.

Upon its success in factory testing, the N1K2-J was selected by the Japanese Imperial Navy as its primary fighter and fighter-bomber. The Navy's plan was to launch large-scale mass production of the Shiden-Kai, but its production was always behind schedule. The situation became more critical when American B-29 Superfortress bombers began attacking Japanese industrial sites. The attacks did not target the production facilities containing the Shiden-Kai assembly lines, but supply companies were attacked, leading to a shortage of sheet metal, forged steel, stamped aluminum, and engine and chassis parts.

N1K1-J fighters were first used in battle near Lake Sebu in October 1944, then used en masse in the Philippines. From the end of 1944 on, the N1K1-J and N1K2-J aircraft were primarily used for the defense of the Japanese homeland.

The most famous squadron of Shiden-Kai was formed in December 1944. Known as the 343rd Kokutai, it was under the command of the most experienced Japanese naval commander, Minoru Genda. His squadron consisted of Japanese aces, and their planes were all N1K2-Js. This "Genda's Blade" squadron was known as a squadron of experts, the elite of the Imperial Navy's aviators. The Americans quickly felt their skill in battle. For instance, in February of 1945, Midshipman Kaneyoshi "Kinsuke" Muto, piloting an N1K2-Ja, single-handedly attacked 10 F6F Hellcats, shooting four of them down and forcing the others to retreat.

The Shiden-Kai was an extremely unpleasant surprise for the Americans. The original Shiden was good, but this model, free of its predecessor's "childhood illnesses", was superb. It would soon become clear that even a pilot of average skill in a Shiden-Kai could challenge any Allied fighter, even the P-51 Mustang, which began its fight in the skies over Japan in the spring of 1945.

Production of the N1K2-J ended after Japan surrendered. In all, 1,435 Shidens of all variants were constructed, including 998 N1K1-Js and 415 N1K2-Js.


Media

Skins
Skin icon market.pngMarket
N1K2-Ja Fictional Trainer.jpg
Camo "Primary Trainer"

See also

Related Development
  • N1K1 - (Kyofu Model 11; Base hydroplane model)
  • N1K1-Ja - (Shiden Model 11A; N1K1-J with 7.7mm's removed from the fuselage and 4x20mm in the wings)
  • N1K2-J - (Shiden Kai Model 21; Redesigned wings and fuselage)

External links


Kawanishi Aircraft Company (川西航空機)
Fighters  J6K1
N1K  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Bombers  H6K4 · H8K2 · H8K3
Hydroplane  N1K1 · E7K2

Japan fighters
Navy 
Carrier-based fighter 
A5M  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
A6M  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
A7He  A7He1*
A7M  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
Land-based Fighter 
J2M  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
J6K  J6K1
J7W  J7W1
N1K-J  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Fighter seaplane 
N1K  N1K1
A6M-N  A6M2-N
Army 
Ki-10  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Ki-27  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
Ki-43  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
Ki-44  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
Ki-61  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
Ki-84  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
Ki-87  Ki-87
Ki-94  Ki-94-II
Ki-100  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Other countries  ▅F4U-1A · ▅P-51C-11-NT · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅Fw 190 A-5
  *Imported designation of the He 112 (A6M was in development - A7M would take A7 designation after the cancelation of the A7He)

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