J7W Shinden file photo [13907]

J7W Shinden

CountryJapan
ManufacturerKyushu Hikoki K. K., Japan
Primary RoleFighter
Maiden Flight3 August 1945

Contributor:

ww2dbaseThe J7W Shinden ("Quaking Lightning") fighter design was developed to counter American high-altitude bombers. With a canard layout, this aircraft was equipped with a propeller in the rear of the aircraft, but it was also designed to be able to be retrofitted with a turbojet engine as this technology matured. The construction for the first two prototypes began about Jun 1944, the stress calculations were completed by Jan 1945, and the first prototype was completed in Apr 1945. After addressing overheating issues with the engine, the first prototype aircraft took flight from Itazuke Airfield, Fukuoka, Japan on 3 Aug 1945, with chief engineer of this project Technical Lieutenant Commander Masayoshi Tsuruno in the cockpit. The Japanese Navy ordered production to commence even prior to the maiden flight, but the war would end before production began. After the war, the prototype aircraft that took flight on 3 Aug 1945 was taken by the United States for testing. The other prototype was ordered to be scrapped, but that ordered was never carried out; it is now in the possession of the United States National Air and Space Museum (though currently not on display).

ww2dbaseSource: Wikipedia

Last Major Revision: Jan 2012

J7W Shinden Timeline

4 Jun 1944 The work to construct two prototypes of the J7W1 Shinden short-range interceptor fighter commenced at the aircraft factory at Zasshonokuma in Fukuoka, Japan.
3 Aug 1945 The J7W Shinden fighter took its first flight.

SPECIFICATIONS

J7W1
MachineryOne Mitsubishi Ha-43 12 (MK9D) 18-cyl air-cooled radial engine rated at 2,130hp
Armament4x30mm Type 5 cannon, up to 120kg of bombs
Crew1
Span11.11 m
Length9.66 m
Height3.92 m
Wing Area20.50 m²
Weight, Empty3,645 kg
Weight, Loaded4,928 kg
Weight, Maximum5,288 kg
Speed, Maximum750 km/h
Service Ceiling12,000 m
Range, Normal850 km

Photographs

Close-up view of J7W Shinden prototype aircraftClose-up view of the under section of the J7W Shinden prototype aircraft, 1945J7W1 Shinden prototype aircraft at rest, Japan, circa Jul 1945, photo 1 of 4J7W1 Shinden prototype aircraft at rest, Japan, circa Jul 1945, photo 2 of 4
See all 9 photographs of J7W Shinden Fighter



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J7W Shinden Fighter Photo Gallery
Close-up view of J7W Shinden prototype aircraft
See all 9 photographs of J7W Shinden Fighter


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