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== Historical Information ==

== Historical Information ==

The '''Kawanishi N1K3-A Model 41 ''Shiden Kai Ni '''''(''Violet Lightning, Modifed 2, ''Allied reporting name "George") was a proposed carrier-based variant of the '''Kawanishi''' '''N1K2-J'''. The N1K2-J was a land-based version of the Kawanishi N1K ''Kyōfū'' (''Strong Wind'', Allied reporting name "Rex"). It was the last line of fighter planes manufactured and flown by the Japanese Navy Air Service. Both its pilots and opponents considered it to be one of the finest land-based fighters of Japan.

The '''Kawanishi N1K3-A Model 41 ''Shiden Kai Ni '''''(''Violet Lightning, Modifed 2, ''Allied reporting name "George") was a proposed carrier-based variant of the '''Kawanishi''' '''N1K2-J'''. The N1K2-J was a land-based version of the Kawanishi N1K ''Kyōfū'' (''Strong Wind'', Allied reporting name "Rex") floatplane fighter. The N1K was the last production line of fighter planes manufactured and flown by the Japanese Navy Air Service. Both its pilots and opponents considered the N1K-Js to be among the finest land-based fighters of Japan.

Originally developed as a floatplane fighter for forward-operations support where runways would not be available, the N1K was introduced to service in 1943. However, at that point Japan was no longer on the offensive, depriving the N1K of its intended role. With its heavy floats, it was at a severe disadvantage against contemporary American fighter planes, leading Kawanishi engineers to propose in 1941 to make a land-based fighter based on the N1K.

Originally developed as a floatplane fighter for forward-operations support where runways would not be available, the N1K was introduced to service in 1943. However, at that point Japan was no longer on the offensive, depriving the N1K of its intended role. With its heavy floats, it was at a severe disadvantage against contemporary American fighter planes, leading Kawanishi engineers to propose in 1941 to make a land-based fighter based on the N1K.

Produced as a private venture by Kawanishi with the more powerful 1,850hp Nakajima ''NK9A'' ''Homare'' ''11'' engine replacing the Mitsubishi ''MK4C Kasei 13'' engine, the prototype N1K fighter flew in December 1942. It still carried the mid-mounted wing of the original floatplane design, which with its large propeller, required a long, stalky landing gear. It had a unique set of automatic combat flaps that were acceleration-sensitive, reducing the likelihood of a stall in combat. However, it was susceptible to entering an unrecoverable spin if handled roughly, making it extremely dangerous for inexperienced pilots.

Produced as a private venture by Kawanishi with the more powerful 1,850hp Nakajima ''NK9A'' ''Homare'' ''11'' engine replacing the Mitsubishi ''MK4C Kasei 13'' engine, the prototype N1K fighter flew in December 1942. It still carried the mid-mounted wing of the original floatplane design, which with its large propeller, required a long, stalky landing gear. It had a unique set of automatic combat flaps that were acceleration-sensitive, reducing the likelihood of a stall in combat. However, it was susceptible to entering an unrecoverable spin if handled roughly, making it extremely dangerous for inexperienced pilots.

The NK9 engine, although powerful, was unrefined due to its rush to production. Aside from the problematic engine, poor heat-treatment of the wheels could cause the landing gear to break off when the fighter attempted to land. It was reported that more N1Ks were lost by landing-gear failures than to Allied forces. Despite these problems, the Kawanishi fighter was deemed promising and subsequently evaluated by the Navy. As it was faster than the [[Type 52 Zero Fighter|Mitsubishi A6M5]] (Zero-fighter Model 52) in service at the time, had an even longer range than the Mitsubishi J2M ''Raiden'' interceptor and the ''17-shi'' project (the [[Reppuu (Strong Gale)|Mitsubishi A7M ''Reppū'']]) was facing trouble, the prototypes were ordered into production as the '''''N1K1-J'''''. The ''J'' indicates a land-based fighter modification.

The NK9 engine, although powerful, was unrefined due to its rush to production. Aside from the problematic engine, poor heat-treatment of the wheels could cause the landing gear to break off when the fighter attempted to land. It was reported that more N1Ks were lost by landing-gear failures than to Allied forces. Despite these problems, the Kawanishi fighter was deemed promising and subsequently evaluated by the Navy. As it was faster than the [[Type 52 Zero Fighter|Mitsubishi A6M5]] (Zero-fighter Model 52) in service at the time, had an even longer range than the Mitsubishi J2M ''Raiden'' interceptor and the ''17-shi'' project (the [[Reppuu (Strong Gale)|Mitsubishi A7M ''Reppū'']]) was facing trouble, the prototypes were ordered into production as the '''''N1K1-J'''''. The ''J'' suffix indicates a land-based fighter modification, just as a J-prefix indicates a purpose-designed land-based fighter.

The N1K1 entered service in early 1944 and proved highly effective against American fighters, being the only one of its contemporaries that could match its enemies - F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs - and even outperform them with the guidance of an ace pilot. Rare for a Japanese fighter was the N1K's resilience, a significant upgrade from the fragile Zero-fighters. Although formidable, the N1K1-Js were still unreliable - both the troublesome NK9 engine and complicated undercarriage frequently failed. Altogether, 1,007 N1K1-Js were produced, including prototypes.

The N1K1 entered service in early 1944 and proved highly effective against American fighters, being the only one of its contemporaries that could match its enemies - F6F Hellcats and F4U Corsairs - and even outperform them with the guidance of an ace pilot. Rare for a Japanese fighter was the N1K's resilience, a significant upgrade from the fragile Zero-fighters. Although formidable, the N1K1-Js were still unreliable - both the troublesome NK9 engine and complicated undercarriage frequently failed. Altogether, 1,007 N1K1-Js were produced, including prototypes.