Kyushu J7W - Definition

Kyushu J7W1 Shinden
Description
Role	Fighter
Crew	1
First Flight	August 3 1945
Manufacturer	Kyushu Hikoki
Dimensions
Length	9.66 m	31 ft 8 in
Wingspan	11.11 m	36 ft 5 in
Height	3.92 m	12 ft 10 in
Wing area	20.5 m²	220 ft²
Weights
Empty	3,645 kg	8,019 lb
Loaded	4,928 kg	10,841 lb
Maximum takeoff	5,288 kg	11,663 lb
Powerplant
Engines	1x Mitsubishi Ha-43 12
Power	1,589 kW	2,130 hp
Performance
Maximum speed	750 km/h	469 mph
Range	850 km	531 miles
Service ceiling	12,000 m	39,360 ft
Rate of climb	750 m/min	2,460/min
Wing loading	240 kg/m²	49lb/ft²
Power/Mass	0.32 kW/kg	0.20 hp/lb
Avionics
Avionics
Armament
Guns	4x 30 mm Type 5 cannon
Bombs	Up to 120 kg (264 lb)

The Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (震電, "Magnificent Lightning") fighter was a World War II Japanese propeller driven aircraft 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. It was expected to be a highly manuverable interceptor, but only two were finished before the end of war. Plans were also drawn up for a jet-powered version (J7W2) , but this never left the drawing board.

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, which was the only one that flew, is currently stored at the National Air and Space Museum.