This is the Kawanishi N1K1 Fighter Seaplane Kyofu Model 11 (Rex), for the 109k slot in EAW.

Earok adapted the Rufe floats from Charles Gunsts Rufe. Additional 3dz modification by Charles Gunst as well as hardpoints and edited landing gear. Skin represention as the Rex seaplane modified by Gramps from Jamie Richards original camo.

About the Rex:

Manufacturer: Kawanishi. Purpose: Single seat floatplane fighter. The N1K1 Kyofu (Mighty Wind), code name "Rex", first flew on May 6th 42 and utilised a 1463hp Mitsubishi Kasei 14 air cooled radial with contra-rotating propellors. Development problems with this unit led to the installation of a more conventional Kasei 13 with a single propellor. Despite the drag created by the floatplane configuration the N1K1 had a good performance. It had been designed to cover Japanese army landings, but by the time it entered service in Dec 43 the Japanese were in retreat and their requirement for a folatplane fighter had passed. Consequently it was given a defensive role and the first batch were sent to Balikpan in Borneo to protect the oil refineries. It's first combat mission was flown from Ambon Island near Java when a flight of B24s were intercepted, one of which was downed. At the beginning of March in 44 the unit was disbanded and returned to Soerabaya. Production was ended in March 44 by which time less than 100 had been produced. Power Plant: Mitsubishi MK4C Kasai air cooled radial of 1460hp. Performance: Max speed 304mph at 18,700ft. Operating range 1,040. Armament: Two 20mm cannon in the wings and two 7.7mm machine guns in the nose.


Released by:
Richard "Gramps" Kaminski
20 November 2002.
Endeavour2000@hotmail.com

