Aichi S1A

S1A Denko

Manufacturer: Aichi Kokuki KK
Status: Cancelled
Primary user: Imperial Japanese Navy Air Service

The Aichi S1A Denko (Bolt of Light) was a Japanese night fighter, intended to replace the Nakajima J1N1-S Gekkou (Allied code name Irving). It was to be, like the Gekkou, equipped with radar to counter the B-29 air raids over the Japan. Development time increased while trying to overcome design shortcomings, such as the insufficient power of the Navy's requested Nakajima Homare engines, resulting in no aircraft being completed before the war ended.

Design and development

Two prototypes were constructed in 1945, but the project was cancelled after the incomplete prototypes were destroyed during two separate bomb attacks when they are about 70% (1st prototype) and 90% (2nd prototype) complete..

Specifications(S1A1 Denko)

Data from Japanese Aircraft of the pacific War

General characteristics

Crew: 2
Length: 49 ft 6.5 in (15.100 m)
Wingspan: 57 ft 5 in (17.50 m)
Height: 15 ft 1.5 in (4.610 m)
Wing area: 505.902 sq ft (46.9998 m)
Empty weight: 16,138 lb (7,320 kg)
Gross weight: 22,443 lb (10,180 kg)
Max takeoff weight: 25,375 lb (11,510 kg)
Powerplant: 2 x— Nakajima NK9K-S , 2,000 hp (1,500 kW) each at take-off
Propellers: 4-bladed

Performance

Maximum speed: 360 mph (580 km/h; 310 kn)
Cruise speed: 273 mph (237 kn; 439 km/h)
Range: 1,054 mi (916 nmi; 1,696 km)
Ferry range: 1,553 mi (1,350 nmi; 2,499 km)
Service ceiling: 39,370 ft (12,000 m)
Wing loading: 44.4 lb/ft² (217.65 kg/m²)

Armament

Guns:
2x— fuselage-mounted forward-firing 30mm Type 5 cannons
2x— fuselage-mounted forward-firing 20mm Type 99 model 1 cannons
2x— dorsal turret-mounted 20mm Type 99 model 2 cannons

Comparable aircraft

Nakajima J1N

Bibliography

Francillon, Ph.D., René J. Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War. London: Putnam & Company Ltd., 1979. ISBN 0-370-30251-6.

Aichi S1A Pictures and Aichi S1A for Sale.

Living Warbirds: The best warbirds DVD series.

Source: WikiPedia