Kawanishi N1K1 Kyōfū (Rex)
Technical Information

Background
Designed and built by Kawanishi Kokuki Kabushiki Kaisha (Kawanishi Aircraft Company) single pontoon floatplane fighter for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) that would support forward offensive operations where no airfields were available. The N1K1 Kyōfū (Mighty Wind) is often spelled Kyofu. Allied code name "Rex". This floatplane was specifically designed seaplane fighter for the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) that was more advanced than the Nakajima Type 2 Float Plane Fighter Suisen / A6M2-N Rufe.

The first prototype N1K1 first flight was May 6, 1942. Service trial aircraft were in August 1942. Early production aircraft were powered by 1460 hp MK4C Kasei 13 engines, but later production aircraft were powered by 1530 hp MK4E Kasei 15 engines which differed only in minor details. The Kyofu entered service with the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN) during July of 1943.

By the time that the Kyofu entered service, Japan was on the defensive, and the Kyofu was never to serve in the offensive fighter role it was designed. Instead, the the N1K1 was assigned as an interceptor based at Balikpapan on Borneo, a role for which it had never been intended. Even though the Kyofu was a rugged and efficient floatplane, it was no match for Allied fighters. During 1945, the Otsu Kōkūtai equipped with Kyofu operated from Lake Biwa in Japan.

Production
At total of 89 N1K1 were built. Production was slow gearing up. By December 1943, Kawanishi was only producing 15 per month. In March 1944, production was terminated after the delivery of only 89 production aircraft.

Technical Details
Crew  One (pilot)
Engine  Mitsubishi MK4E Kasei 15 14-cylinder radial with a three bladed propeller
Span  12 m
Length  10.60 m
Height  4.75 m
Maximum Speed  304 mph (490 km/hour) at 18,700 ft
Range  1034 miles
Armament  2 x .7.7mm MG nose, 2 x 20mm wings
Bomb Load  2 x 30kg bombs
Production  aproximately 89 + prototypes