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With 20 mm cannons, if the N1K got in any hits, the U.S. fighter was likely down or, at least, out of the fight.
I'd say the primary opponents were the F6F and the F4U, with a few P-51s thrown in later.
When we get to the N1K1-J, we're looking at low 400 mph, a bit over 4,000 fpm rate of climb, very good roll rate, and 4 x 20 mm cannons. Altogether a formidable airplane. It would definitely out-roll a hellcat, but I'm not too sure it would out-turn one ... maybe.
Hi all,
I am writing this to firstly find out what was the exact plane that could be considered the Shiden Kai's adversary, or main foe? I am also wondering, could the Shiden Kai out dogfight this foe through turning capability? I always hear the term Grumman thrown around but I can't find out which "[insert adjective/noun]cat" it was because my knowledge on US WW2 planes isn't that spectacular. Thanks all
When we get to the N1K1-J, we're looking at low 400 mph, a bit over 4,000 fpm rate of climb
5.1 to 1? Was this number presented in the book you mentioned? ThanksWithout a doubt the F6F Hellcat. In his book, Hellcat Vs Shiden/Shiden-Kai Pacific Theater 1944-45, author Tony Holmes states that there were probably no more than twenty meetings between the F6F and N1K and most encounters heavily favored the American fighter. This number agrees with my research. The F4U, P-47, and P-51 also fought the 'George' on ocassion, but on a much reduced scale.
As a further example of the Hellcat's dominance, the well-researched and verified kill to loss ratio between various Hellcat units and the elite 343rd Kokutai was 5.1 to 1 in favor of the US Navy, this with extremely proficient Japanese pilots at the controls of the Shiden-Kais.
5.1 to 1? Was this number presented in the book you mentioned? Thanks
I own a copy of Genda's Blade and am excited to start reading it, I just am in the process of finishing up Eagles of MitsubishiThe number is derived mostly from Genda's Blade. There the authors break down the protagonists involved in every scrap with the 343rd and give the final tally of the day's events. If you can get a copy I highly recommend it.
I own a copy of Genda's Blade and am excited to start reading it, I just am in the process of finishing up Eagles of Mitsubishi
Hmm, so taking everything that's been said into consideration, is it safe to assume that had an F6F and a Shiden Kai came into contact with another the deciding factor in terms of who would score the victory would be the pilot? I feel that the planes are similar in their characteristics and tech specs with some slight advantages/disadvantages. This has been some awesome feedback and food for thought by the way guys, thanks once again
If I may ask, wh was the roll-rate of an aircraft so important? I presume the roll-rate along longitudinal axis is referred to?very good roll rate, and 4 x 20 mm cannons. Altogether a formidable airplane. It would definitely out-roll a hellcat
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The F4U could not turn so well, but out-rolled the Hellcat handily.
If I may ask, wh was the roll-rate of an aircraft so important? I presume the roll-rate along longitudinal axis is referred to?
As a further example of the Hellcat's dominance, the well-researched and verified kill to loss ratio between various Hellcat units and the elite 343rd Kokutai was 5.1 to 1 in favor of the US Navy, this with extremely proficient Japanese pilots at the controls of the Shiden-Kais.
So, roll-rate translates into horizontal agility? The better your roll-rate, the faster you can pitch (?) your aircraft to the left or right and change your direction on your height plane?Acheron,
Having an advantage in roll is the same as having faster hands to a boxer. The Zero above a certain speed would become very heavy on the controls which in turn means a slower roll rate. It's hard to get out of the way of bullets when your roll rate is slow.
Cheers,
Biff
So, roll-rate translates into horizontal agility? The better your roll-rate, the faster you can pitch (?) your aircraft to the left or right and change your direction on your height plane?