Model Description
HJT07455 Hasegawa 1/48th scale model kit Kawanishi N1K2-J Shidenkai (George) 301st fighter squadron. Available to pre-order at Flying Tigers.
The Kawanishi N1K Kyōfū (“strong wind”, Allied reporting name “Rex”) was an Imperial Japanese Navy floatplane fighter. The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (“Violet Lightning”) was an Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service land-based version of the N1K. Assigned the Allied codename “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 A6M Zero, the Shiden Kai could compete against the best late-war fighters, such as the F6F Hellcat, the F4U Corsair and P-51 Mustang.
RRP £40.00
