Nakajima J1N Gekkou (Irving) Nightfighter (1942)
The Nakajima J1N1-S was a dedicated nightfighting derivative of the Nakajima J1N1 reconnaissance aircraft.
At its core the J1N1 base reconnaissance model was a twin-engine low-wing monoplane design with seating for three. Increased night time bombing sorties by the Allies began to put Japan in a pinch as they had no nightfighter designs to deal with the threat. As such, it was seen fit to arm the J1N1 with a pair of 20mm cannons in place of the observer's seating position, angled as such to fire forward and above. Retaining the second crewmember, this modified J1N1 took to the skies and brought back with it success against several B-24 Liberators. With this newfound knowledge, a new dedicated nightfighter would be produced as the J1N1-S - these would be new production models and not modified versions of the basic J1N1 reconnaissance platform.
The J1N1-S incorporated a faired cover over the nose and was fitted with basic AI-type radar. Additionally, two more 20mm cannons were installed on the underside of the fuselage to fire down and forward for added punch. Though a sound addition, it was found in practice to be quite difficult to operate and as such had this feature removed on later production models. In the J1N1-Sa variant and optional and additional 20mm cannon was fitted in the forward-firing fixed position.
Power for the aircraft was derived from twin Nakajima-brand Sakae 21-type 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines delivering some 1,130 horsepower each. Performance was good and complimented the heavy punch of this platform and would help the J1N1-S series find continued success for a time. With the Allied inclusion of the newer Boeing B-29 Superfortress, the power and punch of the J1N1-S series faded quickly as they did not fair well against the higher-flying American bombers. As such, many J1N1-S systems were relegated to the kamikaze role - being fitted with two 551lb bombs for added lethality - and the system gradually disappeared from any legitimate battlefield use. Text ©2003-2013 www.MilitaryFactory.com • All Rights Reserved • No Reproduction Permitted
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Specifications for the
Nakajima J1N Gekkou (Irving)
Nightfighter
Country of Origin: Imperial Japan
Manufacturer: Nakajima - Japan
Initial Year of Service: 1942
Production: 479
Focus Model: Nakajima J1N1-S Gekkou (Irving)
Crew: 2
Length: 41.90ft (12.77m)
Width: 55.71ft (16.98m)
Height: 14.96ft (4.56m)
Weight (Empty): 10,670lbs (4,840kg)
Weight (MTOW): 18,045lbs (8,185kg)
Powerplant: 2 x Nakajima NK1F Sakae 21 14-cylinder air-cooled radial piston engines generating 1,130hp each.
Maximum Speed: 314mph (505kmh; 273kts)
Maximum Range: 981miles (1,578km)
Service Ceiling: 30,577ft (9,320m; 5.8miles)
Rate-of-Climb: 1,726 feet per minute (526m/min)
Hardpoints: 2
Armament Suite:
STANDARD:
2 OR 3 x 20mm Type 99 cannons fixed to fire upward and forward (obliquely)
2 x 20mm Type 99 cannons fixed to fire downward and forward (removed in later models)
OPTIONAL:
1 x 20mm cannon in a forward-fixed firing position (J1N1-Sa)
2 x 551lb bombs (kamikaze)
Variants:
J1N1 "Gekko" - Initial Reconnaissance Platform on which the J1N1-S series is based on.
J1N1-S - Dedicated Nightfighter Production Model designation; models built from scratch and were not J1N1 conversions.
J1N1-Sa - Similar to the J1N1-S but fitted with an optional forward-fixed firing 20mm cannon
Operators: Imperial Japan
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