Kyūshū J7W

The Kyūshū J7W1 Shinden (震電, "Magnificent Lightning") fighter was a World War II Japanese propeller driven aircraft prototype that was built in a canard design. The wings were attached to the tail section and stabilizers were on the front. The propeller was also in the rear, in a pusher configuration. It was expected to be a highly maneuverable interceptor, but only two were finished before the end of war. Plans were also drawn up for a jet-powered version (J7W2 Shinden Kai), but this never left the drawing board.

Design and development

The J7W was developed for the Imperial Japanese Navy as a specific response to the B-29 Superfortress raids on the Japanese homeland. It was to be operated from land bases. The canard concept was tested first by building a number of gliders with this layout, designated MXY6.

The first prototype, the only one to have flown, is currently in storage at the National Air and Space Museum.

Specifications (J7W1)

See also

References

Notes

Bibliography

• Green, William. Warplanes of the Second World War, Volume Three: Fighters. London: Macdonald & Co. (Publishers) Ltd., 1961 (seventh impression 1973). ISBN 0-356-01447-9.

External links

• Kyushu J7W Shinden (Magnificent Lightning)