Japanese Prototypes of World War Two…Image #2: Kyushi J7W Shinden

A unique canard/pusher configured interceptor, the Shinden was designated as a major type to be acquired by the Imperial Japanese Navy. With its development not fully underway until after June 1944, only 2 examples were completed and two test flights undertaken in August 1945. The Shinden was also suitable for potential adaptation to a gas turbine engine, as per the Swedish Saab J-21/21R.

Japanese Prototypes of World War Two…Image #1: Mitsubishi A7M Reppu

The Reppu (or Sam as per its Allied designation) was a proposed successor to the A6M. However the proposed fighter’s development was stalled by performance issues followed by factory damage incurred from earthquakes and American bombing. Only 8 A7Ms were completed.

A captured Aichi B7A Ryusei (Grace) Navy Type 94 Carrier Bomber undergoing servicing by American ground crew

A pair of Mitsubishi G3M Nell bombers of the IJN

Heinkel He-112B0 ‘Jerry’ (Heinkel A7He1) in Imperial Japanese Naval service

Mitsubishi F1M ‘Pete’ floatplanes, somewhere in the Pacific

Nakajima G5N2 Shinzan four engined bomber

The Nakajima G5N Shinzan (“Mountain Recess”) was a four-engined long-range heavy bomber designed and built for the Imperial Japanese Navy prior to World War II. The Navy designation was “Experimental 13-Shi Attack Bomber”; the Allied code name was “Liz”.

Kawanishi H8K Emily Flying Boat on display at Tokyo Science Museum