N1K1 prototype aircraft, circa 1942; note contra-rotating propellers

Caption     N1K1 prototype aircraft, circa 1942; note contra-rotating propellers ww2dbase
Photographer    Unknown
Source    ww2dbaseWikimedia Commons
Link to Source    Link
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N1K Kyofu / Shiden   Main article  Photos  
Added By C. Peter Chen

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Licensing  This work originating in Japan is in the public domain. According to Article 23 of the 1899 Copyright Act of Japan and Article 2 of Supplemental Provisions of Copyright Act of 1970, a work is in the public domain if it was created or published before 1 Jan 1957.

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Visitor Submitted Comments

1. Commenter identity confirmed Bill says:
27 Aug 2013 12:34:47 PM

GO REX!

Prototype N1KI first flew in 1942 aircraft had
problems with its contra-rotating propellers they were designed to offset the prop-torque during take-off and also experienced problems with the gear box.
The 1460hp Mitsubishi MK4D Kasei was a large
14-cylinder, air-cooled radial and takeoff required much skill on the part of the pilot to deal with the high engine torque.

BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD:

The second prototype N1KI had a standard three blade propeller installed, and was powered by a
Mitsubishi 1460hp MK4C Kasei 13 engine that powered the second prototype and early production models. Later models were powered by the Mitsubishi MK4E Kasei 15 engine. Production of the N1K1 was about(15)aircraft per-month.

Aircraft was ordered into production, and 97 were produced before wars end. The N1K1 Rex, was designed to support offensive operations, However by 1943 the Imperial Navy found itself fighting a defensive war from land bases and had no need for such a floatplane fighter.

DEFENDING THE EMPIRE:

Surviving Rex seaplanes were later based at Lake Biwa in Japan during 1944, along with Nakajima A6M2-N(Rufe)seaplane fighters for air defense.

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