Japan's Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (mighty wind) fighter floatplane
Allied code name: Rex
Photos
Kawanishi N1K1 floatplane: |
Kawanishi N1K1 floatplane: |
Design
The Kawanishi N1K1 was designed to meet a Japanese Navy specification for a single seat floatplane fighter that was put forward in September 1940.1,2 The specification was to produce a plane that would be in forward areas protecting assault forces.1,2,3 The design team was Baba, Kikuhara, Inoue, and Adachi.2
The N1K1 had excellent performance despite its main float and outrigger floats.1
Engine
The first N1K1 prototype had a contra-rotating propeller but gearbox problems caused it to be replaced by a conventional propeller starting with the second prototype.1
Floats
The prototypes had retractable outrigger floats but this was abandoned due to difficulties and fixed floats were used.1
Prototype
The prototype for the N1K1 first flew on May 6, 1942.1,2
Preseries aircraft were testing in early 1943.2 In the spring of 1943 the N1K1 was approved for production.2
Production
- Prototypes: 2, 81
- Preseries: 62
- Kawanishi N1K1: 891,3
- Total: 971,2
- Manufacturer: Kawanishi Kokuki K.K.2
- Production; July 1943 - March 19442
Variants
- Prototype: Was powered by Mitsubishi MK4D Kasei 14 radial engine (1,460 HP).1,2 Used counter rotating two blade propellar.2
Usage
By July 1943 when the N1K1 started entering service, Japan was on the defensive the efforts were switched to the N1K Shiden.1,2
Specifications
| Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu1,2 | |
|---|---|
| Type | Fighter2, Fighter floatplane1 |
| Crew | 11,2 |
| Engine (Type) | Mitsubishi MK4C Kasei 131 |
| OR | Mitsubishi MK4E Kasei 151,2 |
| Cylinders | 15: Radial 141,2 |
| Cooling | |
| Net HP | 13: 1,4601 15: 1,5301,2 |
| Propeller blades | 31 |
| Dimensions | |
| Span | 39' 4"2, 39' 4.5"1 12 m1 |
| Length | 34' 9"1,2 10.59 m1 |
| Height | 15' 7"1,2 4.75 m1 |
| Wing area | |
| Weight | |
| Empty | 6,067 lb1 2,752 kg1 |
| Normal load | 7,716 lb1,2 3,500 kg1 |
| Maximum load | 8,183 lb1 3,712 kg1 |
| Performance | |
| Speed @ 18,700' / 5,700 m |
304 mph1,2 489 kph1 |
| Cruising speed @ 6,560' / 2,000 m |
230 mph1 370 kph1 |
| Climb to 16,405' / 5,000 m |
5.5 minutes1 |
| Service ceiling | 34,645'1,2 10,560 m1 |
| Range | 656 miles1, 1,036 miles2 1,056 km1 |
| Maximum range | 1,036 miles1 1,667 km1 |
| Armament | 2: 20 mm2 2: MG2 |
| Nose | 2: 7.7 mm MG1 |
| Wings | 2: 20 mm1 |
| Bombs | 132 lb2 |
Sources:
- Aircraft of WWII, Stewart Wilson, 1998
- World War II Airplanes Volume 2, Enzo Angelucci, Paolo Matricardi, 1976
- The Encyclopedia of Weapons of World War II, Chris Bishop, 1998
