WW2 Japanese Kyushu J7W1 Shinden
Japan’s WW2 fighter interceptor Shinden of which only two prototypes were completed just before Japan’s surrender. The 2,130 hp Mitsubishi (Ha-43) radial engine and its supercharger were installed behind the cockpit and drove a six-bladed propeller via an extension shaft. Engine cooling was to be provided by long, narrow, obliquely-mounted intakes on the side of the fuselage. Of the two prototypes produced one flew a total of 45 minutes before the war ended and ended with one prototype being scrapped and the other shipped to the US for testing by the US Navy but of which never flew again. I decided not to depict Shinden as a prototype and instead to use it as basis for it being thrust into actual production. She sports a bare metal finish with typical hastily applied dark green camo and an antiglare panel. No decals were harmed in the making of this build - all markings were airbrushed.