N1K1-J Shiden (aka George)

Photo courtesy of The USAF Museum

History

Like several Japanese designs, the Shiden may have become one of the great fighters of World War II if only Japan's manufacturing ability had been equal to her engineering ability.
Japan needed fighters that could compete with Allied aircraft on their own terms. The premier fighter of the early portion of the war, the Zero, had been effectively countered by the Hellcat and P-38 - high speed aircraft that could dive on the hapless Zero, and zoom to safety.
The Shiden, the Japanese word for "violet lightning," was a potent response, though it didn't start out quite that way. It was designed originally as a sea plane - a naval fighter that didn't need an aircraft carrier. It was hastily redesigned as a land based aircraft, and it quickly earned the respect of the Allies. As Americans were not very good at pronouncing Japanese words, the Shiden, like all Japanese types, was given an American name - the George.
Problems with weak landing gear, and erratic engines plagued the George. When it was working as intended, it was one of the most potent fighters of the war. It possessed excellent speed, lethal armament, and the most advanced automatic combat flaps conceived during the period.
Few were produced. Final production total was fewer than 1,500.
The George in Air Warrior

As undependable manufacturing is not modeled in Air Warrior, the George sees a good deal of online service. While not a good low speed dogfighter - what's known, online, as stallfighting - its strong performance in all other respects, as well as its 4 cannon, make it an excellent mount for a patient pilot.
Virtues

The George has excellent speed and the best lethality of any Pacific aircraft. It is also an outstanding climber being able to reach 20K in just over 5 minutes.

Vices

The N1K1 has poor level turning abilities. As well, you run the risk of tearing the wings off during high-G maneuvers at high speed.
Tips

Stay high and stay fast. The N1K1 is an excellent BnZ choice and with it's deadly firepower, most planes can be destroyed on the first pass. If not, vertical seperation is an excellent choice as no plane in the Pacific climbs as well as the Niki.
Munitions

Armament Ammo Load Payload
2-20mm cannons (inner) 250 shells 1-550 lb. bombs

2-20mm cannons (outer) 200 rounds -

Performance

The George excels at climb rate, speed, and high speed handling. It is not, however, an especially good turning aircraft at low to medium speeds.
Performance Comparison

When stacked up against other Pacific theater fighters, the George is an interesting collection of attributes. It has excellent speed, although the Mustang is faster, as is the Ki-84 at medium altitudes. Above 30,000 feet, the P-47 is supreme in speed. However, the George has far better high speed handling than the Ki, and is competitive with the Corsair in this regard. In climb rate, the Corsair and George are close. When it comes to a slow speed dogfight, the Hellcat, Ki, P-38, and, of course, the Zero can quickly make the George feel out of its element.

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