N1K2 Shidenkai (George), 1/72 by Hasegawa, Model Airplane

The single-engine Kawanishi N1K-J, flown by the Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service, was a land-based version of the N1K float plane fighter. Code-named "George" by the Allies, it was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of Japan's finest land-based WWII fighters. A prototype debuted on January 1, 1944. The N1K-J evenly matched the F6F Hellcat and proved a better match than the A6M Zero against such aircraft as the F4U Corsair and P-51 Mustang. It carried heavy armament and could absorb considerable battle damage - unlike most other Japanese fighters. At least three Shiden Kai aircraft survive in American museums, including one at the National Museum of Naval Aviation in Pensacola, Florida. « less