Kawanishi N1K1-Ja Shiden, Type 11 Koh (JT89)

Plastic model kit of a Japanese Kawanishi N1K1 Ja Shiden, Type 11 KOH fighter aircraft from World War II.

• Scale 1:48
• Unbuilt, unpainted
• Paint and glue not included

Kawanishi's proposal to convert the then-under-development Kyofu seaplane into a fighter was approved by the Navy. A prototype, provisionally designated "Fighter No. 1," was released at the end of December 1941. It was powered by Nakajima's new Homare engine.

The first prototype made its maiden flight on December 31, 1942, a year after development began. The designation was later changed to "Shiden Experimental Model," and further prototype development was commissioned.

The Shiden was a mid-wing monoplane, resulting in a very long main landing gear and a complex two-stage retraction mechanism.

The Shiden was a mid-wing monoplane, therefore its main landing gear was very long and featured a complex two-stage retraction mechanism.
Its most distinctive feature was the automatic air-to-air flaps, adopted from the Kyofu. These flaps were lowered in aerial combat when more lift was needed and raised when necessary.

The Shiden Type 11A (N1K1-Ja) officially entered service in November 1944. The two 7.7 mm machine guns in the nose were removed, leaving only the muzzles.

Specifications

• Crew: 1
• Wingspan: 12.00 m
• Length: 8.885 m
• Height: 4.058 m
• Maximum Weight: 3,900 kg
• Engine: Homare Type 21 (Takeoff Power: 1,990 hp)
• Maximum Speed: 583 km/h (Cruising Altitude: 5,900 m)
• Armament: Four 20 mm machine guns