Nakajima J1N “Gekko”
The Nakajima J1N "Gekko" is a twin-engine aircraft used by the Japanese Imperial Navy during World War II.
Nakajima J1N "Gekko"- Japanese WW2 Aircraft & Warplanes

Time Period: World War II
Country of Origin: Japan
Type: Fighter Aircraft
Manufacturer: Nakajima Aircraft Company

Nakajima J1N Aircraft Overview

The Nakajima J1N, also known as the “Gekko” or “Irving” by the Allies, was a twin-engine aircraft developed by Nakajima Aircraft Company for the Imperial Japanese Navy during World War II. It was designed as a long-range reconnaissance and night fighter aircraft, and was one of the fastest aircraft of its type in the war.

The J1N had a streamlined design with a twin-engine configuration, retractable landing gear, and a distinctive “double bubble” canopy for improved visibility. It was armed with a combination of 20mm and 30mm cannon, and could carry up to 800 kg (1,764 lbs) of bombs or torpedoes.

The J1N was used primarily in the Pacific theater, and saw action in various campaigns including the Battle of Guadalcanal and the Battle of the Philippine Sea. It was particularly effective as a night fighter, where its speed and firepower made it a formidable opponent for Allied bombers.

Later versions of the J1N were equipped with radar and other advanced avionics, further improving its effectiveness as a night fighter. However, the J1N suffered from several design flaws, including a lack of armor protection and a tendency to catch fire in combat.

Despite these issues, the J1N was a valuable asset to the Imperial Japanese Navy and played a critical role in its reconnaissance and night fighter operations. Today, no J1Ns survive, although some wreckage has been recovered and restored by aviation enthusiasts.

Nakajima J1N1-S Specifications

  • Crew: 2
  • Length: 12.77 m (41 ft 11 in)
  • Wingspan: 16.98 m (55 ft 9 in)
  • Height: 4.562 m (15 ft 0 in)
  • Wing area: 40 m2 (430 sq ft)
  • Empty weight: 4,480 kg (9,877 lb)
  • Gross weight: 7,010 kg (15,454 lb)
  • Max takeoff weight: 8,184 kg (18,043 lb)
  • Fuel capacity: 1,700 L (373.9 imp gal)
  • Powerplant: 2 × Nakajima NK1F Sakae 21 14-cyl. two-row air-cooled radial piston engine, 840 kW (1,130 hp) each take-off rating. 820.3 kW (1,100 hp) at 2,850 m (9,350 ft). 730.8 kW (980 hp) at 6,000 m (19,685 ft)
  • Propellers: 3-bladed un-handed metal constant-speed propellers

Nakajima J1N1-S Performance

  • Maximum speed: 507 km/h (315 mph, 274 kn) at 5,840 m (19,160 ft)
  • Cruise speed: 330 km/h (210 mph, 180 kn) at 4,000 m (13,123 ft)
  • Range: 2,545 km (1,581 mi, 1,374 nmi)
  • Ferry range: 3,780 km (2,350 mi, 2,040 nmi)
  • Rate of climb: 8.7 m/s (1,710 ft/min)
  • Time to altitude: 5,000 m (16,404 ft) in 9 minutes 35 seconds
  • Wing loading: 175.3 kg/m2 (35.9 lb/sq ft)
  • Power/mass: 0.27 kW/kg (0.125 hp/lb)

Nakajima J1N1-S Armament

  • Guns: 4× 20 mm Type 99 cannon, two upward- and two downward-firing
or 2× 20 mm Type 99 cannon, firing upward only
or 3× 20 mm Type 99 cannon, all three firing upward

Nakajima J1N Image Gallery

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