Wings of War

Japanese Prototypes of World War Two…Image #3: Yokosuka R2Y Keiun

The R2Y Keiun (Beautiful Cloud) was a prototype developed for the role of reconnaissance fighter, with its powerplant being two Aichi engines coupled to a single propeller. Only 2 were completed, with the sole airworthy aircraft destroyed in May 1945 by an American bombing raid.

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.

Cope North 2013 Exercise Photos…Image #3: A trio of fighters…from left to right, a JASDF Mitsubishi F.2, a JASDF McDonnell Douglas F-15, a RAAF F/A-18 Hornet

Cope North 2013 Exercise Photos…Image #2: JASDF Mitsubishi F.2 fighters about to take off from Anderson AFB Guam

The Douglas DB-7 Boston/A-20 Havoc: Image No.4…a captured ex-USAAF Douglas Havoc under evaluation by the Japanese IJAAF

Nakajima Warplanes…Image #3: the Nakajima Ki-115 Tsurugi (Sabre)

Also known as the Tota or Wisteria Blossom the Ki-115 was a suicide aircraft designed to use non-strategic construction materials. It failed to serve in active kamikaze sorties before war’s end

Nakajima Warplanes…Image #2: the Nakajima J1N1 Gekko (Irving)

This photo shows an example of the Gekko, Japan’s most effective night fighter, with minimal damage nosed-in.

Nakajima warplanes…Image #1: the Nakajima NC Type 91

The Type 91 was a parasol fighter developed and flown during the 1930s as part of the IJAAF’s inventory

The second captured warplane image is that of two Mitsubishi A6M Zeros, impressed into RAF service after the end of the South East Asian campaign in Malaya and Singapore, 1945.