Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden -kai Type 21(GEORGE)
343rd Kokutai, 301st Hikotai

Omura AB, Japan, May 1945

The Kawanishi N1K Kyōfū (Rex) was an Imperial Japanese Navy floatplane fighter. The Kawanishi N1K-J Shiden (Violet Lightning) was the Imperial Japanese Navy 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 best land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during World War II. The Shiden Kai possessed heavy armament as well as 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. Despite its strong capability, it was produced too late and in insufficient numbers to affect the outcome of the war.

The 343rd Naval Air Group was created in 1944 due to the desperate situation of Japan in the closing stages of the war. The 343rd was composed of the best surviving ace fighter pilots the Imperial Navy had at the time, with Captain Minoru Genda in command. Genda served with distinction during World War II and personally participated in combat. He was a noted naval aviator and fighter pilot with over 3,000 flight hours. Genda believed that even late in the war Japanese pilots were capable of fighting experienced American pilots on equal terms if properly trained and supplied with state-of-the-art aircraft. He personally felt that the Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai was equal to the American F6F Hellcat and F4U Corsair. This unit had some success against American aircraft and fought with distinction.

This was a nice kit with fine engraved panel lines, well detailed cockpit and excellent decals. You can easily make an awesome model straight from the box. I highly recommend this kit if you can find it.