Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden (George)
Technical Information

Background
The Shiden-Kai was a derivative of the N1K1 Kyofu (Rex) an unusual case wherein the origins of this land based fighter came from a floatplane. This fighter was produced for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during the last year of World War II and proved to be one of the best "all-round" fighters i of the Pacific War. Allied code name "George".

A unique design feature was wing flaps which operated automatically to increase lift when necessary during extreme maneuvers. The device, operated with electricity and oil pressure using a U-shaped tube containing mercury, was an important factor in the aircraft's maneuverability in combat. The N1K1-J Shiden and N1K2-J Shiden-Kai had a single large drop tank under the fuselage.

Wartime History
The N1K1-J Shiden (George) were operated by 341 Kokutai (341 Air Group) with a small number assigned to 762 Kōkūtai (762 Air Group) and 201 Kōkūtai (201 Air Group) in the Philippines.

N1K1-J Model 11 Shiden (George 11)
The initial land based fighter version was designated N1K1-J Model 11 Shiden meaning "Violet Lightning" (Kyofu 11 Gata or Kyofu Model 11 or Rex 11). Allied code name "George". Later, designated "George 11" to differentiate it from the N1K2-J Shiden-Kai code named "George 21"

Production
A total of 1,007 Shiden and 400 N1K2-J Sinden-Kai were built by Kawasaki at Naruo before the end of the Pacific War. Production was slow due to production problems and parts shortages due to U.S. bombing raids.

The N1K1-J was produced between 1943 and 1945 with the deliveries to the Navy as follows:
April 1943 to December 1943 = 71 planes
January 1944 to December 1944 = 824 planes
January 1945 to June 1945 = 112 planes
Total = 1,007

Thanks to Jim Long for additional information

Technical Details (N1K1-J Shiden)
Crew  One (pilot)
Engine  Nakajima Homare 21 NK9H 18-cylinder air-cooled radial engine (1,975 hp) with a four bladed propeller
Span  39' 4" / 12m
Length  29' 2" / 8.885m
Height  13' 4" / 4.06m
Maximum Speed  355 mph at sea level / 408 mph at 20,000' / 6,100m
Range  805 km
Armament  4 x 20mm Type 99 Mark 2 cannons with 225 rounds per gun in the wings
Bombload  2 x 250 kg / 550 lb bombs on under wing hard points or centerline 323 L (85 gal) drop tank