Aircraft Photo of 343-35 | Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (George) | Japan - Navy | AirHistory.net #74903
Aircraft
Registration / Serial:343-35
Other Marks:A
Aircraft Original Type:Kawanishi N1K2 Shiden Kai
Aircraft Generic Type:Kawanishi N1K2 Shiden Kai
Aircraft Version:Kawanishi N1K2-Ja Shiden Kai (George)
C/n (msn):5341
Operator Titles:Japan - Navy
Local Operator Name:海上自衛隊
Location
City / Airport:Washington - Dulles InternationalMap
Region / Country:Virginia, United States
Airport Codes:ICAO: KIAD   IATA: IAD   Local: IAD   Other: -
Collection:National Air and Space Museum (Smithsonian) - Udvar-Hazy Center
 
Photo Date:7 April 2015
Photo by:Alastair T. Gardiner
Photo ID: 74903
Photo Comment

About 1,500 of various George models were produced. In combat over Taiwan, the Philippines, Okinawa, and the Japanese home islands, Shiden pilots acquitted themselves well but this excellent fighter appeared too late and in too few numbers to have any effect on Japan's fortunes in the air war. This example on display at the Udvar-Hazy Center is one of only four still extant and wears the colours and markings of the 343rd Kokutai based at Omura in 1945.

This photo is copyright © Alastair T. Gardiner, and may not be used or published in any way without permission.

It was added on 20 August 2018, and has since been viewed 211 times.


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