Model Description

SWS48-01 Zoukei-Mura 1/48th scale model kit Kyushu J7W Shinden. Available to pre-order at Flying Tigers.

The Kyūshū J7W1 Shinden ( “Magnificent Lightning”) fighter was a World War II Japanese propeller-driven aircraft prototype with wings at the rear of the fuselage, a nose mounted canard, and pusher engine.

Developed by the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) as a short-range, land-based interceptor, the J7W was a response to Boeing B-29 Superfortress raids on the Japanese home islands. For interception missions, the J7W was to be armed with four forward-firing 30 mm cannons in the nose.

The Shinden was expected to be a highly maneuverable interceptor, but only two prototypes were finished before the end of war. A jet engine–powered version was considered, but never even reached the drawing board.

RRP  £46.00