Japan's Kyushu J7W Shinden (magnificent thunderbolt) fighter
Photos
Kyushu J7W1 Shinden fighter: |
Design
The J7W Shinden was a very unique fighter for World War II as it was the only one that was a canard type aircraft with the horizontal tail in front.1
The design was originally conceived by Captain Masaoki Tsuruno in 1943.1 His design was seen by the Dai-Ichi Kaigun Koku Gijitsusho (First Technical Arsenal of Naval Aviation) who then got involved with it.1
Glider Tests
A glider was built to test the aerodynamics of the canard design.1 After these tests were conducted Kyushu Hikoki K.K. was asked to manufactured the plane based on the designs.1
Landing Gear
The tricycle landing gear was completely retractable.1
Engine
The engine was completely enclosed in the rear of the fuselage and there were vents in the side to provide cooling.1
Prototype
A MXY6 glider was first tested in late 1943.1
It took from June 1943 to April 1944 to make the first prototype.1 The only flight done by a J7W prototype was on August 3, 1945.1
Production
Nakajima and Kyushu were to slated to build the aircraft at a rate of 150 per month but the war situation prevented construction going forward.1
- MXY6: 31
- Prototype aircraft: 21
- Manufacturer: Kyushu Hikoki K.K.1
Variants
- MXY6: Prototype gliders.1
- Kyushu J7W:
Usage
Specifications
| Kyushu J7W1 Shinden1 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fighter1 |
| Crew | 11 |
| Engine (Type) | Mitsubishi MK9D1 |
| Cylinders | Radial 181 |
| Cooling | Air1 |
| Net HP | 2,1301 |
| Propeller blades | 61 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 36' 5"1 |
| Length | 31' 8"1 |
| Height | 12' 10"1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | |
| Loaded | 10,854 lb1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 28,545' | 466 mph1 |
| Cruising speed | |
| Climb | |
| Service ceiling | 39,370'1 |
| Range | 529 miles1 |
| Armament | |
| Nose | 4: 30 mm1 |
| Bombs | 264 lb1 |
Sources:
- World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
