Difference between revisions of "J7W1"

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(Description: Updated J7W page to reflect how the plane flies in WT's current state.)
(Cleaned up and updated Description: , Pros and cons: and Survivability.)
 
(13 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
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{{Specs-Card
 
{{Specs-Card
 
|code=j7w1
 
|code=j7w1
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg}}
+
|images={{Specs-Card-Image|GarageImage_{{PAGENAME}}.jpg|ArtImage_{{PAGENAME}}.png}}
 
}}
 
}}
  
 
== Description ==
 
== Description ==
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
 
<!-- ''In the description, the first part should be about the history of and the creation and combat usage of the aircraft, as well as its key features. In the second part, tell the reader about the aircraft in the game. Insert a screenshot of the vehicle, so that if the novice player does not remember the vehicle by name, he will immediately understand what kind of vehicle the article is talking about.'' -->
The '''{{Specs|name}}''' is a rank {{Specs|rank}} Japanese fighter {{Battle-rating}}. It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]].
+
The '''J7W1''', designated as '''Shinden ({{Annotation|震電|Magnificent Lightning}})''', was a prototype fighter plane featuring a distinctive design with wings positioned at the rear of the fuselage, a nose-mounted canard, and a pusher engine. Development was led by Masayoshi Tsuruno, beginning in 1942-43, with the aim of creating a high-speed {{Annotation|400 kn|740 km/h; 460 mph}} canard-type aircraft. This design aimed to maximize fuselage space by relocating the engine and pilot to the rear of the plane, thus allowing for more armament to be concentrated in the nose. As Japan's wartime situation deteriorated, the focus of the J7W1's development shifted from being a general fighter to a high-altitude interceptor. This change was driven by the increasing threat posed by American high-altitude bombing raids conducted by [[B-24/PB4Y (Family)|B-24s]] and [[B-29A-BN|B-29s]]. Despite its innovative design and potential, the J7W1 saw only limited production and testing. Only two prototypes were completed before Japan's surrender, preventing the aircraft from being deployed in combat.
  
The J7W1 Shinden is a bomber interceptor designed to make quick work of raiding bomber aircraft. It has exceptional performance at altitude, more than exceptional armament and a decent climb rate. The J7W1 is however, not particularly fast except at very high altitudes, and thus in most relevant situations in War Thunder, is a subpar brick of a plane at best which climbs okay-ish and handles amazingly in dives, but that's literally it. It cannot run from anything, nor can it hide, nor can it hope to turn against anything that is not a bomber.
+
It was introduced in [[Update 1.43]]. The Shinden is a bomber interceptor designed to make quick work of raiding bomber aircraft. It has exceptional armament, although with a very limited amount of ammunition, and is best-used in [[Boom & Zoom]] attacks, but any manoeuvring will cost it a huge loss of energy, making it essentially a sitting duck. Her biggest enemies are a single-engine airplanes, most of which can outcompete her in nearly every way. She should be flown more like a twin-engine bomber interceptor, and avoid engaging in any confrontation that involve 1 vs 1 dogfighting.
  
 
== General info ==
 
== General info ==
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|-
 
|-
 
!Upgraded
 
!Upgraded
| 779 || 750 || 28.6 || 30.0 || 23.0 || 18.6  
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| 779 || 750 || 28.6 || 30.0 || 23.0 || 18.6
 
|-
 
|-
 
|}
 
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* 16 mm Steel plate in the nose, in front of ammo boxes and pilot
 
* 16 mm Steel plate in the nose, in front of ammo boxes and pilot
  
The J7W1 is protected by armour glass (70 mm) in front of pilot and steel armour plate (16 mm) in front of pilot in between guns. It is very prone to fires, and which are difficult to extinguish. Engine snipes are common, due to the position of the engine. Wing tip damage can increase the likelyhood of unrecoverable flat spins.
+
The J7W1 is protected by armour glass (70 mm) in front of pilot and steel armour plate (16 mm) in front of pilot in between guns, which are ineffective against cannons found in this BR range. It is very prone to fires, and which are difficult to extinguish. Engine snipes are common, due to the position and large size of the engine. Wing tip damage can increase the likelyhood of unrecoverable flat spins.
  
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
 
=== Modifications and economy ===
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* 4 x 30 mm Type 5 navy cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 240 total)
 
* 4 x 30 mm Type 5 navy cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 240 total)
 
;Muzzle velocities
 
 
* Shells: HEF-T, PT, P: 910 m/s
 
* Shells: HEF-I, HEF: 720 m/s
 
* Tracer: 910 m/s
 
* All other belts: Mixed shell velocities, see above.
 
  
 
=== Suspended armament ===
 
=== Suspended armament ===
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== Usage in battles ==
 
== Usage in battles ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the tactics of playing in the aircraft, the features of using aircraft in a team and advice on tactics. Refrain from creating a "guide" - do not impose a single point of view, but instead, give the reader food for thought. Examine the most dangerous enemies and give recommendations on fighting them. If necessary, note the specifics of the game in different modes (AB, RB, SB).'' -->
The Shinden is a high-altitude specialist with (sadly) not much role in War Thunder's current state. There are no objectives in any game mode up at the high altitudes where the thing shines, while its high BR of 6.0 means that it doesn't often face the 4-engine bombers it was designed to counter, but instead ''literal swarms of Ju-288Cs,'' which are nearly as fast as or faster in most normal combat altitudes than you and have more reliable defensive firepower than your offensive firepower. It does not climb that spectacularly, particularly because the engine only has one supercharger gear setting for high altitude. It dives amazingly when it is able to get the drop on an opponent - unlike literally every other Japanese fighter, it does not compress very much at higher speeds. But, it turns like a bus and thus can only strictly do "Boom & Zoom" type attacks, then running like hell and hoping the foe can't catch you if you missed your shots. The roll and rudder are responsive at high speeds, enabling you to line up your shots very well, though. The guns are devastating when they do work, obliterating single-engine fighters, but sadly they spark without seeming to do much damage more often than not, especially versus the bombers it is meant to kill. This plane only might have some degree of use in Combined Ground Battles solely as an anti-CAS plane, due to the lack of red markers enabling it to surprise people more often with its insane dive speeds.
+
 
 +
The Shinden is a quick, pusher prop aircraft that excels in keeping its energy up after diving from a high altitude. It is able to climb up to a nice altitude above its opponents and strafe enemies either with a boom-and-zoom or hit-and-run strategy. The Shinden sports four excellent 30 mm guns mounted in the nose making it infamous for its head-on capabilities as they are easy to get on target but require a bit of aim control as the guns have low muzzle velocity, as long as you keep your speed high you will become a big threat to the enemy team. The Shinden is able to outrun a myriad of aircraft at its BR with some exceptions being the [[F8F-1B]] and the [[Spitfire F Mk XIVe]] as they have more powerful engines. Enemy bombers such as the [[B-17G-60-VE]] are optimal targets as your main weapons are able to quickly rip through the bombers armour, heavy fighters such as the [[F7F-1]] or the [[Hornet Mk.III]] are targets you may often see at your altitude and make for great prey as they are large and aren't as agile as single-engine fighters. As a Shinden pilot, it is unwise to let the enemy get onto your six o'clock as you aren't likely to shake them with your poor manoeuvrability and the Shinden's engine is mounted in the rear of the plane, meaning any enemy behind you can quickly take you out of the fight just with a few hits to the engine. Like a majority of the Japanese planes, the Shinden lacks any armour to reliable stop bullets from damaging it, however there is a piece of bulletproof glass in the front of the planes cockpit that is 70 mm thick as well as a 16 mm steel plate in the nose, making head-ons a reliable way to kill enemy aircraft as you do not have to worry about enemy bullets hitting your engine. It is highly recommended to avoid participating in dogfights in the Shinden as almost any single prop fighter at its BR will be able to outturn it so it's ideal to stick to energy fighting. The Shinden also has access to 60 kg bombs that can destroy lightly-armoured targets in mixed battles.
 +
 
 +
In Simulator Battles the Shinden is one of a few planes which gain the ability to preform a "Cobra" manoeuvre and also has the ability to throttle the fuel mixture throttle down enough to kill the engine and stop most engine fires and even some fuel tank fires that it is prone to receiving. Bring the Tracer Belt in most scenarios as all the other belts have practice rounds.
  
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
 
=== Manual Engine Control ===
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'''Pros:'''
 
'''Pros:'''
  
* Pilot has some protection in the back from the engine.
+
* Exceptional burst mass of 4 x 30 mm cannons
* Competitive high speed turn rate
+
* Very good pitch response
* Good roll rate
+
* Good handling in a dive
* Amazing pitch response
+
* Pilot has some protection in the back from the engine
* 4 x 30 mm cannons make for some great offensive firepower, but they have sparking issues.
 
* Great high speed and handling and dive.
 
* Since the engine and propeller are located in the rear, it is not likely to take damage or catch fire from shots landing at its front.
 
  
 
'''Cons:'''
 
'''Cons:'''
  
* Slow sustained turn rate.
+
* Has one of the slowest sustained turn rates of its aircraft type in its battle rating
* High speed rudder suffers some compression, though less than many other Japanese aircraft at the tier
+
* High speed rudder suffers some compression
 
* Pilot more exposed at the front.
 
* Pilot more exposed at the front.
* Since the engine is located in the rear, it is especially vulnerable to enemies behind it.
+
* Since the engine is located in the rear, it is especially vulnerable to enemies behind it
* Shots to the front may damage its "tail" flaps.
+
* Shots to the front may damage its "tail" flaps
* Fuel tanks are easily flammable and do not self seal fully.
+
* Fuel tanks are easily flammable and do not fully self-seal
 +
* It's very likely that stalls will be fatal even with unscratched machine
 +
* Combat flaps are usable only in a low speeds and cause the plane to pitch nose-down
  
 
== History ==
 
== History ==
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
 
<!-- ''Describe the history of the creation and combat usage of the aircraft in more detail than in the introduction. If the historical reference turns out to be too long, take it to a separate article, taking a link to the article about the vehicle and adding a block "/History" (example: <nowiki>https://wiki.warthunder.com/(Vehicle-name)/History</nowiki>) and add a link to it here using the <code>main</code> template. Be sure to reference text and sources by using <code><nowiki><ref></ref></nowiki></code>, as well as adding them at the end of the article with <code><nowiki><references /></nowiki></code>. This section may also include the vehicle's dev blog entry (if applicable) and the in-game encyclopedia description (under <code><nowiki>=== In-game description ===</nowiki></code>, also if applicable).'' -->
The J7W1 ''Shinden'' (震電, "Magnificent Lightning") was an Imperial Japanese fighter of WWII that was built near the end of the war in an attempted response to the American B-29 Superfortress bombers. The aircraft used a canard wing formation, (canard wing formation refers to how the main wings are mounted at the rear of the fuselage and smaller wings are placed at the front. Similar to the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender.) Like the Ascender, the J7W1 was never put into mass-production and was abandoned while still in the prototype stage.<ref>"Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (Magnificent Lightning)." ''National Air and Space Museum'', 18 Apr. 2019, airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/kyushu-j7w1-shinden-magnificent-lightning.</ref>
+
The J7W1 Shinden (震電, "Magnificent Lightning") was an Imperial Japanese fighter of WWII that was built near the end of the war in an attempted response to the American B-29 Superfortress bombers. The aircraft used a canard wing formation, (canard wing formation refers to how the main wings are mounted at the rear of the fuselage and smaller wings are placed at the front. Similar to the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender.) Like the Ascender, the J7W1 was never put into mass-production and was abandoned while still in the prototype stage.<ref>"Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (Magnificent Lightning)." ''National Air and Space Museum'', 18 Apr. 2019, airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/kyushu-j7w1-shinden-magnificent-lightning.</ref>
  
 
Developed with the intention of intercepting heavy bombers, it was given 4 nose-mounted 30 mm cannons.
 
Developed with the intention of intercepting heavy bombers, it was given 4 nose-mounted 30 mm cannons.
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;Skins
 
;Skins
  
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicleCountry=japan&vehicleType=aircraft&vehicleClass=fighter&vehicle=j7w1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
+
* [https://live.warthunder.com/feed/camouflages/?vehicle=j7w1 Skins and camouflages for the {{PAGENAME}} from live.warthunder.com.]
  
 
{{Skin-gallery
 
{{Skin-gallery
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;Videos
 
;Videos
{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:25 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|6Cyq6xsiD70|'''(Arcade): {{PAGENAME}} Shinden - Magnificent Lightning''' - ''tx141TX''|yYMCtg6qa40|'''War Thunder Sub's Choice Ep 39: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Jengar''|fphmndESyNU|'''The Shooting Range #60''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:06 discusses the J7W1.}}
+
{{Youtube-gallery|INb9VjLxKf0|'''Most unusual aircraft''' discusses the {{PAGENAME}} at 4:25 - ''War Thunder Official Channel''|6Cyq6xsiD70|'''(Arcade): {{PAGENAME}} Shinden - Magnificent Lightning''' - ''tx141TX''|yYMCtg6qa40|'''War Thunder Sub's Choice Ep 39: {{PAGENAME}}''' - ''Jengar''|fphmndESyNU|'''The Shooting Range #60''' - ''Pages of History'' section at 07:06 discusses the J7W1.|ivvxWCdqgqs|'''Intercept the B-29・Phantom Fighter Shinden (J7W Interview)''' - EN Subtitles}}
  
 
== See also ==
 
== See also ==
Line 211: Line 206:
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
<!-- ''Paste links to sources and external resources, such as:''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
 
* ''topic on the official game forum;''
* ''encyclopedia page on the aircraft;''
 
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
 
* ''other literature.'' -->
  

Latest revision as of 16:53, 6 November 2024

J7W1
j7w1.png
GarageImage J7W1.jpg
ArtImage J7W1.png
J7W1
AB RB SB
5.7 6.0 5.7
Class:
Research:46 000 Specs-Card-Exp.png
Purchase:155 000 Specs-Card-Lion.png

Description

The J7W1, designated as Shinden (震電), was a prototype fighter plane featuring a distinctive design with wings positioned at the rear of the fuselage, a nose-mounted canard, and a pusher engine. Development was led by Masayoshi Tsuruno, beginning in 1942-43, with the aim of creating a high-speed 400 kn canard-type aircraft. This design aimed to maximize fuselage space by relocating the engine and pilot to the rear of the plane, thus allowing for more armament to be concentrated in the nose. As Japan's wartime situation deteriorated, the focus of the J7W1's development shifted from being a general fighter to a high-altitude interceptor. This change was driven by the increasing threat posed by American high-altitude bombing raids conducted by B-24s and B-29s. Despite its innovative design and potential, the J7W1 saw only limited production and testing. Only two prototypes were completed before Japan's surrender, preventing the aircraft from being deployed in combat.

It was introduced in Update 1.43. The Shinden is a bomber interceptor designed to make quick work of raiding bomber aircraft. It has exceptional armament, although with a very limited amount of ammunition, and is best-used in Boom & Zoom attacks, but any manoeuvring will cost it a huge loss of energy, making it essentially a sitting duck. Her biggest enemies are a single-engine airplanes, most of which can outcompete her in nearly every way. She should be flown more like a twin-engine bomber interceptor, and avoid engaging in any confrontation that involve 1 vs 1 dogfighting.

General info

Flight performance

Max speed
at 8 500 m750 km/h
Turn time30 s
Max altitude12 500 m
EngineMitsubishi Ha-43-42
TypeRadial
Cooling systemAir
Take-off weight5 t

The J7W1 Shinden has a maximum speed of 892 km/h (558 mph/485 kt) IAS (this is Vne speed - the absolute maximum speed). In a dive from service ceiling, a speed of mach 0.9 has been recorded and is sustained until IAS speed limit is reached. The aircraft can handle a max load of 11G and compresses rudder, pitch and roll at extremely high IAS speed in order of descending effect.

Characteristics Max Speed
(km/h at 8,500 m)
Max altitude
(meters)
Turn time
(seconds)
Rate of climb
(meters/second)
Take-off run
(meters)
AB RB AB RB AB RB
Stock 723 703 12500 31.5 32.2 15.3 15.3 650
Upgraded 779 750 28.6 30.0 23.0 18.6

Details

Features
Combat flaps Take-off flaps Landing flaps Air brakes Arrestor gear
X X
Limits
Wings (km/h) Gear (km/h) Flaps (km/h) Max Static G
Combat Take-off Landing + -
900 450 498 469 320 ~8 ~6
Optimal velocities (km/h)
Ailerons Rudder Elevators Radiator
< 563 < 560 < 560 > 314
Compressor (RB/SB)
Setting 1
Optimal altitude 100% Engine power WEP Engine power
8,400 m 1,660 hp 1,942 hp
J7W1 vario over altitude.png
J7w1 power - altitude envelope.png

Survivability and armour

Crew1 person
Speed of destruction
Structural900 km/h
Gear450 km/h
  • 70 mm Bulletproof glass - Armoured windscreen
  • 16 mm Steel plate in the nose, in front of ammo boxes and pilot

The J7W1 is protected by armour glass (70 mm) in front of pilot and steel armour plate (16 mm) in front of pilot in between guns, which are ineffective against cannons found in this BR range. It is very prone to fires, and which are difficult to extinguish. Engine snipes are common, due to the position and large size of the engine. Wing tip damage can increase the likelyhood of unrecoverable flat spins.

Modifications and economy

Repair costBasic → Reference
AB2 075 → 2 618 Sl icon.png
RB4 943 → 6 238 Sl icon.png
SB7 131 → 8 999 Sl icon.png
Total cost of modifications40 600 Rp icon.png
78 300 Sl icon.png
Talisman cost1 400 Ge icon.png
Crew training45 000 Sl icon.png
Experts155 000 Sl icon.png
Aces820 Ge icon.png
Research Aces440 000 Rp icon.png
Reward for battleAB / RB / SB
90 / 200 / 410 % Sl icon.png
160 / 160 / 160 % Rp icon.png
Modifications
Flight performance Survivability Weaponry
Mods aerodinamic fuse.png
Fuselage repair
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods radiator.png
Radiator
Research:
4 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
7 900 Sl icon.png
220 Ge icon.png
Mods compressor.png
Compressor
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods aerodinamic wing.png
Wings repair
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods new engine.png
Engine
Research:
5 100 Rp icon.png
Cost:
9 800 Sl icon.png
270 Ge icon.png
Mods metanol.png
Engine injection
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods armor frame.png
Airframe
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mods armor cover.png
Cover
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png
Mods ammo.png
type5_belt_pack
Research:
3 000 Rp icon.png
Cost:
5 800 Sl icon.png
160 Ge icon.png
Mod arrow 1.png
Mods weapon.png
type5_new_gun
Research:
4 400 Rp icon.png
Cost:
8 500 Sl icon.png
240 Ge icon.png

Armaments

Offensive armament

Ammunition240 rounds
Fire rate500 shots/min
Main article: Type 5 navy (30 mm)

The J7W1 is armed with:

  • 4 x 30 mm Type 5 navy cannons, nose-mounted (60 rpg = 240 total)

Suspended armament

List of setups (2)
Setup 12 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb
Setup 24 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 ground bomb

The J7W1 can be outfitted with the following ordnance:

  • Without load
  • 2 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (120 kg total)
  • 4 x 60 kg Navy Type 97 Number 6 bombs (240 kg total)

Usage in battles

The Shinden is a quick, pusher prop aircraft that excels in keeping its energy up after diving from a high altitude. It is able to climb up to a nice altitude above its opponents and strafe enemies either with a boom-and-zoom or hit-and-run strategy. The Shinden sports four excellent 30 mm guns mounted in the nose making it infamous for its head-on capabilities as they are easy to get on target but require a bit of aim control as the guns have low muzzle velocity, as long as you keep your speed high you will become a big threat to the enemy team. The Shinden is able to outrun a myriad of aircraft at its BR with some exceptions being the F8F-1B and the Spitfire F Mk XIVe as they have more powerful engines. Enemy bombers such as the B-17G-60-VE are optimal targets as your main weapons are able to quickly rip through the bombers armour, heavy fighters such as the F7F-1 or the Hornet Mk.III are targets you may often see at your altitude and make for great prey as they are large and aren't as agile as single-engine fighters. As a Shinden pilot, it is unwise to let the enemy get onto your six o'clock as you aren't likely to shake them with your poor manoeuvrability and the Shinden's engine is mounted in the rear of the plane, meaning any enemy behind you can quickly take you out of the fight just with a few hits to the engine. Like a majority of the Japanese planes, the Shinden lacks any armour to reliable stop bullets from damaging it, however there is a piece of bulletproof glass in the front of the planes cockpit that is 70 mm thick as well as a 16 mm steel plate in the nose, making head-ons a reliable way to kill enemy aircraft as you do not have to worry about enemy bullets hitting your engine. It is highly recommended to avoid participating in dogfights in the Shinden as almost any single prop fighter at its BR will be able to outturn it so it's ideal to stick to energy fighting. The Shinden also has access to 60 kg bombs that can destroy lightly-armoured targets in mixed battles.

In Simulator Battles the Shinden is one of a few planes which gain the ability to preform a "Cobra" manoeuvre and also has the ability to throttle the fuel mixture throttle down enough to kill the engine and stop most engine fires and even some fuel tank fires that it is prone to receiving. Bring the Tracer Belt in most scenarios as all the other belts have practice rounds.

Manual Engine Control

MEC elements
Mixer Pitch Radiator Supercharger Turbocharger
Oil Water Type
Controllable Controllable
Auto control available
Not controllable
Not auto controlled
Controllable
Auto control available
Combined Not controllable
1 gear
Not controllable

Pros and cons

Pros:

  • Exceptional burst mass of 4 x 30 mm cannons
  • Very good pitch response
  • Good handling in a dive
  • Pilot has some protection in the back from the engine

Cons:

  • Has one of the slowest sustained turn rates of its aircraft type in its battle rating
  • High speed rudder suffers some compression
  • Pilot more exposed at the front.
  • Since the engine is located in the rear, it is especially vulnerable to enemies behind it
  • Shots to the front may damage its "tail" flaps
  • Fuel tanks are easily flammable and do not fully self-seal
  • It's very likely that stalls will be fatal even with unscratched machine
  • Combat flaps are usable only in a low speeds and cause the plane to pitch nose-down

History

The J7W1 Shinden (震電, "Magnificent Lightning") was an Imperial Japanese fighter of WWII that was built near the end of the war in an attempted response to the American B-29 Superfortress bombers. The aircraft used a canard wing formation, (canard wing formation refers to how the main wings are mounted at the rear of the fuselage and smaller wings are placed at the front. Similar to the Curtiss-Wright XP-55 Ascender.) Like the Ascender, the J7W1 was never put into mass-production and was abandoned while still in the prototype stage.[1]

Developed with the intention of intercepting heavy bombers, it was given 4 nose-mounted 30 mm cannons.

Development of the aircraft began in 1944, but shortages of manufacturing supplies continued to delay its development and testing and the first prototype wasn't completed until April 1945. The Navy placed high hopes in the new model and it was originally hoped that the Kyushu's Zasshonokuma factory and Nakajima's Handa plant would be able to produce over a thousand of the aircraft by 1947.

The prototype first flew on 3 August 1945 from Itazuke Air Base. The plane flew a total of three times, each time as a test flight before it was grounded permanently due to the Japanese surrender and end of the war.

Various parts of the Shinden survived the end of the war and its fuselage can be seen at the National Air and Space Museum in Washington DC.[2]

Media

Skins
Videos

See also

Aircraft of comparable role, configuration and era

External links

References

  1. "Kyushu J7W1 Shinden (Magnificent Lightning)." National Air and Space Museum, 18 Apr. 2019, airandspace.si.edu/collection-objects/kyushu-j7w1-shinden-magnificent-lightning.
  2. "Kyushu J7W1/2 'Shinden.'" Kyushu J7W1/2 - Shinden, tanks45.tripod.com/Jets45/Histories/Shinden/Shinden.htm.


Kyūshū Aircraft Co. Ltd. (九州飛行機株式会社)
Fighters  J7W1
  Previously known as Watanabe Iron Works Co. Ltd. (渡辺鉄工株式会社) prior to 1943 before being split into Kyūshū Aircraft & Kyūshū Weapons.

Japan fighters
Navy 
Carrier-based fighter 
A5M  A5M4 · Hagiri's A5M4
A6M  A6M2 mod. 11 · A6M2 · A6M3 · A6M3 mod. 22 · A6M3 mod. 22Ko · A6M5 · A6M5 Ko · A6M5 otsu · A6M5 Hei · A6M6c
A7He  A7He1*
A7M  A7M1 (NK9H) · A7M2
Land-based Fighter 
J2M  J2M2 · J2M3 · J2M4 Kai · J2M5 · J2M5 (30 mm)
J6K  J6K1
J7W  J7W1
N1K-J  N1K1-Ja · N1K2-J · N1K2-Ja
Fighter seaplane 
N1K  N1K1
A6M-N  A6M2-N
Army 
Ki-10  Ki-10-I · Ki-10-I C · Ki-10-II · Ki-10-II C
Ki-27  Ki-27 otsu · Ki-27 otsu Tachiarai
Ki-43  Ki-43-I · Ki-43-II · Ki-43-III otsu
Ki-44  Ki-44-I · Ki-44-I 34 · Ki-44-II otsu · Ki-44-II hei
Ki-61  Ki-61-I ko · Ki-61-I otsu · Ki-61-I hei · Tada's Ki-61-I hei · Ki-61-I tei · Ki-61-II Otsu Kai
Ki-84  Ki-84 ko · Ki-84 otsu · Ki-84 hei
Ki-87  Ki-87
Ki-94  Ki-94-II
Ki-100  Ki-100 · Ki-100-II
Other countries  ▅F4U-1A · ▅P-51C-11-NT · ▅Bf 109 E-7 · ▅Fw 190 A-5
  *Imported designation of the He 112 (A6M was in development - A7M would take A7 designation after the cancelation of the A7He)