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Aircraft · Japan · 1942-1945

Nakajima J1N Gekko

night fighter

Originally conceived as a twin-engine escort fighter, the Gekko (Moonlight) failed in that role but found its calling after field crews fitted upward-firing oblique cannon, letting it slide beneath unsuspecting B-24 and B-29 bombers at night. Codenamed Irving, it became one of Japan's most effective night fighters of the war's final two years.

Wikipedia

crew2-3
top speed507 km/h
armament4x oblique 20mm cannon (2 upward, 2 downward)
produced479

Pacific

Catalog #: 01_00086143 Title: Nakajima, J1N, Gekko ""moonlight"" Irving ""Navy Night Fighter"" Corporation Name: Nakajima Official Nickname: Gekko ""moonlight"" Irving ""Navy Night Fighter"" Additional Information: Japan
Catalog #: 01_00086143 Title: Nakajima, J1N, Gekko ""moonlight"" Irving ""Navy Night Fighter"" Corporation Name: Nakajima Official Nickname: Gekko ""moonlight"" Irving ""Navy Night Fighter"" Additional Information: JapanSDASM Archives · Public domain · source
Nakajima J1N1-R (reconnaissance only) (see photo of same plane Image:J1N-9s.jpg from different angle
Nakajima J1N1-R (reconnaissance only) (see photo of same plane Image:J1N-9s.jpg from different angle · Public domain · source
J1N1S likely on a Kamikaze mission- only they were equipped with 250Kg bombs.
J1N1S likely on a Kamikaze mission- only they were equipped with 250Kg bombs. · Public domain · source