Japanese Navy competition programs

[Stargazer]

7試 7-Shi Twin-Engined Carrier Aircraft (1932)

• Mitsubishi 3MT5 and 3MT5A > Type 93 Land-Based Attack [first G1M]

7試 艦上戦闘機 7-Shi Carrier Fighter (1932)

• Mitsubishi 1MF10
• Nakajima NC? NK1F?

7試 艦上攻撃機 7-Shi Carrier Attack (1932)

• Aichi AB-8
• Mitsubishi 3MT10 / Ka-5
• Nakajima [B3N]
• Yokosuka [B3Y] > Type 92 Carrier Attack

7試 水上偵察機 7-Shi Reconnaissance Seaplane (1932)

• Aichi AB-6 [E7A]
• Nakajima [E7N] (cancelled)
• Kawanishi Type J [E7K] > Type 94 Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Alf")

7試 特殊攻撃機 7-Shi Land-Based Attack (1932)

• Hiro [G2H] > Type 95 Land-Based Attack

 

[Stargazer]

8試特殊爆撃機 8-Shi Carrier Bomber (1933)

• Aichi AB-9 [D1A] > Type 94/Type 96 Carrier Bomber ("Susie")
• Yokosuka [D1Y]

8試複座戦闘機 8-Shi Two-Seat Fighter (1933)

• Mitsubishi Ka-8
• Nakajima NAF-2

8試水上偵察機 8-Shi Reconnaissance Seaplane (1933)

• Aichi AM-7
• Aichi AB-7 [E8A]
• Kawanishi Type P [E8K]
• Nakajima MS [E8N] > Type 95 Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Dave")

8試特殊爆撃機 8-Shi Carrier Bomber (1933)

• Nakajima [D2N]
• Yokosuka [D2Y]

8試大型飛行艇 8-Shi Large Flying Boat (1933)

• Kawanishi Type Q (2 engines) / Type R (three engines) (project)

8試 8-Shi Land-Based Bomber (1933)

• Nakajima LB-2

8試特殊偵察機 8-Shi Special Reconnaissance Plane (1933)

• Mitsubishi Ka-9 > Land-Based Medium Attack [second G1M]

 

[Stargazer]

9試 単座戦闘機 9-Shi Carrier Single-Seat Fighter (1934)

• Mitsubishi Ka-14 [A5M] > Type 96 Carrier Fighter ("Claude")
• Nakajima PA-Kai (version of PA/AN-1/Ki-11)

9試 艦上攻撃機 9-Shi Carrier Attack Bomber (1934)

• Mitsubishi Ka-12 [B4M]
• Nakajima [B4N]
• Yokosuka [B4Y] > Type 96 Carrier Attack Bomber ("Jean")

9試 潜水艦偵察機 9-Shi Small Reconnaissance Seaplane (1934)

• Watanabe [E9W] > Type 96 Small Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Slim")

9試 夜間偵察機 9-Shi Night Reconnaissance Plane (1934)

• Aichi AB-12 [E10A] > Type 96 Night Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Hank")
• Kawanishi Type T [E10K] > Type 94 Transport Seaplane

9試 中型陸上攻撃機 9-Shi Land-Based Attack Bomber (1934)

• Mitsubishi Ka-15 [G3M Rikko] > Type 96 Land-Based Attack Bomber ("Nell")

9試 中型飛行艇 9-Shi Medium-Sized Flying Boat (1934)

• Yokosuka [H5Y] > Type 99 Medium-Sized Flying Boat ("Cherry")

9試 大型飛行艇 9-Shi Transport Flying Boat (1934)

• Kawanishi [H6K] > Type 97 Transport Flying Boat ("Mavis")

 

[Stargazer]

10試 艦上攻撃機 10-Shi Carrier Attack Bomber (1935)

• Nakajima [B5N] > Type 97-1 Carrier Attack Bomber ("Kate")
• Mitsubishi Ka-16 [B5M] > Type 97-2 Land-Based Attack Bomber ("Mabel")

10試 艦上偵察機 10-Shi Carrier Reconnaissance Plane (1935)

• Nakajima [C3N] > Type 97 Carrier Reconnaissance Plane
  (according to blackkite, Mitsubishi declined to participate in the competition)

10試 水上観測機 10-Shi Observation Seaplane (1935)

• Aichi AB-13 [F1A]
• Kawanishi [F1K]
• Mitsubishi Ka-17 [F1M Reikan] > Type 0 Observation Seaplane ("Pete")

 

[Stargazer]

11試 艦上爆撃機 11-Shi Carrier Bomber (1936)

• Aichi AM-17 [D3A] > Type 99 Carrier Bomber ("Val")
• Mitsubishi [D3M]
• Nakajima [D3N]

11試 水上中間練習機 11-Shi Advanced Trainer Seaplane (1936)

• Kawanishi [K6K]
• Mitsubishi [K6M]
• Watanabe [K6W]

11試 特殊水上偵察機 11-Shi Special Reconnaissance Seaplane (1936)

• Aichi AB-14 [E11A] > Type 98 Night Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Laura")
• Kawanishi [E11K] > Type 96 Transport Seaplane

11試 陸上作業練習機 11-Shi Crew Trainer (1936)

• Mitsubishi Ka-18 [K7M] > resubmitted in 14-Shi Land-Based Trainer competition

 

[Stargazer]

12試 艦上戦闘機 12-Shi Carrier Fighter (1937)

• Mitsubishi [A6M] > Type 0 Carrier Fighter ("Zeke")

12試 複座水上偵察機 12-Shi Two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (1937)

• Aichi AM-18 [E12A]
• Kawanishi [E12K]
• Nakajima [E12N]

12試 三座水上偵察機 12-Shi Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (1937)

• Aichi AM-19 [E13A Raiun?] > Type 0 Three-Seat Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Jake")
• Kawanishi [E13K]

12試 小型水上偵察機 12-Shi Small Reconnaissance Seaplane (1937)

• Watanabe [E14W]
• Yokosuka [E14Y] > Type 0 Small Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Glen")

12試 陸上攻撃機 12-Shi Land-Based Attack Aircraft (1937)

• Mitsubishi [G4M] > Type 1 Land-Based Attack Aircraft ("Betty")

12試 特殊飛行艇 12-Shi Special Flying Boat (1937)

• Yokosuka [H7Y] ("Tillie")

12試 水上初歩練習機 12-Shi Primary Trainer Seaplane (1937)

• Kawanishi [K8K] > Type 0 Primary Trainer Seaplane
• Nihon [K8P]
• Watanabe [K8W]

 

[Stargazer]

13試 高速陸上偵察機 13-Shi High-speed Reconnaissance Plane (1938)

• Aichi AM-20 [C4A] (cancelled in favor of C5M)

13試 艦上爆撃機 13-Shi Carrier Bomber (1938)

• Yokosuka [D4Y Suisei] ("Judy")

13試 大型陸上攻撃機 13-Shi Attack Bomber (1938)

• Mitsubishi [G5M]
• Nakajima [G5N Shinzan] > Type 2 Attack Bomber ("Liz")

13試 双発陸上戦闘機 13-Shi Three-seat Escort Fighter (1938)

• Mitsubishi (no details)
• Nakajima [J1N] ("Irving")

13試 大型飛行艇 13-Shi Patrol Flying Boat (1938)

• Kawanishi K-30 [H8K] > Type 2 Flying Boat ("Emily")

13試 小型飛行艇 13-Shi Training Flying Boat (1938)

• Aichi AM-21 [H9A] > Type 2 Training Flying Boat (for H8K)

13試 小型輸送機 13-Shi Small Amphibious Transport (1938)

• Nihon [L7P]

 

[Stargazer]

14試 艦上攻撃機 14-Shi Carrier Attack Bomber (1939)

• Nakajima [B6N Tenzan] ("Jill")

14試 高速水上偵察機 14-Shi High-speed Reconnaissance Seaplane (1939)

• Kawanishi K-10 [E15K Shiun] > Type 2 High-speed Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Norm")

14試 中型飛行艇 14-Shi Medium Flying Boat (1939)

• Hiro [H10H]

14試 局地戦闘機 14-Shi Interceptor Fighter (1939)

• Mitsubishi M-20 [J2M Raiden] ("Jack")

14試 陸上基本練習機 14-Shi Primary Trainer (1939)

• Kyushu version of Bücker Bü 131 [K9W Momiji or Kōyō] > Type 2 Primary Trainer ("Cypress")

14試 陸上中間練習機 14-Shi Intermediate Trainer (1939)

• Kyushu [K10W] > Type 2 Intermediate Trainer ("Oak")

14試 水上偵察機 14-Shi Reconnaissance Seaplane (1939)

• Aichi AM-22 [E16A] (resubmitted for 16-Shi Reconnaissance Seaplane competition)

 

[Stargazer]

15試 15-Shi Two-seat Training Fighter (1940)

• Ohmura Arsenal [A5M4-K] > Type 2 Two-Seat Training Fighter ("Claude")

15試 機上作業練習機 15-Shi Operations Trainer (1940)

• Kyushu [K11W Shiragiku]

15試 水上戦闘機 15-Shi Fighter Seaplane (1940)

• Kawanishi K-20 [N1K Kyofu] ("Rex")
• Nakajima [A6M2-N] > interim production until N1K ready ("Rufe")

15試 双発陸上爆撃機 15-Shi Bomber (1940)

• Yokosuka Y-20 [P1Y Ginga] ("Frances")

 

[Stargazer]

16試 艦上攻撃機 16-Shi Carrier Attack Bomber (1941)

• Aichi AM-23 [B7A Ryūsei] ("Grace")

16試 水上偵察機 16-Shi Reconnaissance Seaplane (1941)

• Aichi AM-22 [E16A Zuiun] ("Paul")

16試 陸上攻撃機 16-Shi Attack Bomber (1941)

• Mitsubishi M-60 [G7M Taizan]

 

[Stargazer]

17試 艦上戦闘機 17-Shi Ko (A) Type Carrier Fighter (1942)

• Mitsubishi M-50 [A7M Reppū] ("Sam")

17試 艦上偵察機 17-Shi Reconnaissance Plane (1942)

• Nakajima N-50 [C6N Saiun] ("Myrt")

17試 陸上攻撃機 17-Shi Attack Bomber (1942)

• Kawanishi K-100 (KX-1)

17試 局地戦闘機 17-Shi Interceptor Fighter (1942)

• Kawanishi K-90 (KX-2) [J3K] (replaced by J6K version)
• Mitsubishi M-70 [J4M Senden, also found as Jinrai] ("Luke") (project only)

17試 陸上攻撃機 17-Shi Land-Based Attack Aircraft (1942)

• Kawanishi K-100 (KX-1) (cancelled)

17試 特殊攻撃機 17-Shi Special Attack Bomber (1942)

• Aichi AM-24 [M6A Seiran]
  (NOTE: designation completely atypical, and takes over where D5Y left)
  

17試 陸上哨戒機 17-Shi Patrol Plane (1942)

• Kyushu [Q1W Tokai] ("Lorna")

17試 陸上偵察機 17-Shi Reconnaissance Plane (1942)

• Yokosuka Y-30 [R1Y Seiun, some sources have or Gyōun]

17試 17-Shi Primary Training Glider (1942)

• Nihon Kogata K-15 [MXJ1 Wakakusa]
• Mizuno [MXZ1]

 

[Stargazer]

18試 陸上攻撃機 18-Shi Attack Bomber (1943)

• Nakajima N-40 [G8N Renzan] ("Rita")

18試 局地戦闘機 18-Shi Interceptor Fighter (1943)

• Nakajima [J5N Tenrai]
• Kawanishi [J6K Jinpu]
• Kyushu [J7W Shinden]

18試 陸上偵察機 18-Shi Reconnaissance Plane (1943)

• Yokosuka Y-40 [R2Y Keiun]

18試 丙戦闘機 18-Shi Hei (C) Type Night Fighter (1943)

• Aichi AM-25 [S1A Denko]

 

[Stargazer]

19試 19-Shi Experimental Interceptor Fighter (1944)

• Mitsubishi [J8M Shūsui] (version of Messerschmitt Me 163, similar to Ki-200)

19試 19-Shi Special Attack Bomber (1944)

• Nakajima [J9N? Kikka]

19試 陸上哨戒機 19-Shi Experimental Patrol Plane (1944)

• Mitsubishi [Q2M Taiyo] (project, derived from Army Ki-67)

19試 19-Shi Super Heavy Bomber (1944) (existence unconfirmed)

• Kawanishi KX-9 [G9K?]

 

[Stargazer]

20試 20-Shi Carrier Fighter (1945)

• Kawanishi ["A8K"]
• Mitsubishi ["A8M"?"J9M"? Rikufu]
• Nakajima ["A8N"?] (existed?)

20試 20-Shi Special Torpedo Bomber Aircraft (1945)

• Aichi AM-26 ["B8A"Mokusei]

20試 20-Shi Armored Fighter (1945)

• Mitsubishi (competition cancelled)

 

[Steve Pace]

Outstanding! Steve Pace

 

[Stargazer]

There were quite a few mistakes and omissions so I reworked the first page with as much accuracy as possible. If you can add or correct, feel free to do so!

Meanwhile, here is a list of IJN types for which there is either no designation and/or no identified competition and/or no date.

• Aichi AB-10 [D1A2] Type 96 Carrier Bomber ("Susie") (a derivative of the Type 94 or D1A)

• Kyushu Nankai [Q3W] Patrol Plane

• Mitsubishi MC-20-II [L4M] Type 0 Transport ("Topsy")
• Mitsubishi [G6M] Long Range Heavy Fighter (Wingtip Convoy Fighter)
• Mitsubishi Yasukuni (modification of Army Ki-67 "Peggy")
• Mitsubishi Tozan Attack Plane
• Mitsubishi Shūsui Kai [J8M3] Experimental Long-Range Interceptor Fighter (similar to Ki-202)
• Mitsubishi Karigane Carrier Reconnaissance Plane

• Kawanishi Baika Special Attack

• Nakajima [A4N] Type 95 Carrier Fighter
• Nakajima [L1N] Type 97 Transport ("Thora") (same as the Army Ki-34)
• Nakajima (Showa) Tōka Special Attack (similar to Army Ki-115 Tsurugi)
• Nakajima Fugaku [G10N] Super Heavy Bomber

• Nihon Kogata K-14 Kirigamine Primary Trainer Glider

• Sova [L2D] Type D > Type 0 Transport ("Tabby") (a licensed Douglas DC-3)

• Tokyo Electric KR-2 [LXG] Passenger Transport

• Yokosuka [K5Y "Aka-Tombo"] Type 93 Intermediate / Advanced Trainer ("Willow")
• Yokosuka [L3Y] Type 96 Transport ("Tina") (conversions of G3M "Nell" aircraft)
• Yokosuka Myōjo Kai [D5Y] Special Attack
• Yokosuka (Mizuno) Shinryū Special Attack Glider
• Yokosuka Tenga Bomber
• Yokosuka Funryū Rocket Missile
• Yokosuka K-15 Special Trainer Glider

NOTES:

• Yokosuka also variously appears as Yosho, Yokosho, Kusho or Kugisho
• Only the period ranging from 1932 (7-Shi) to 1945 has been covered so far

 

[Stargazer]

Addendum #1:
Foreign types evaluated experimentally by the IJN

• AXB.....Type B Experimental Carrier Fighter = Boeing Model 100 (civilian F4B)
• AXD.....Type D Carrier Fighter = Dewoitine D.510
• AXG.....Type G Carrier Fighter = Canadian Car & Foundry (Grumman) GE-23 Goblin
• AXH.....Type H Carrier Fighter = Hawker Nimrod
• AXHe...Type He Interceptor Fighter = Heinkel He 100D-0
• AXV.....Type V Interceptor Fighter = Vought V-143
• A7He...Type He Air Defense Fighter = Heinkel He 112B-0 ("Jerry")
• A8V.....Type S Two-seat Fighter = Seversky 2PA-B3 ("Dick")
  (note: last two designations completely illogical...)

• BXN.....Type N? Carrier Attack Bomber = Northrop Gamma 2E

• CXP.....Type P? Reconnaissance Plane = Potez (no details)

• DXD.....Type D Attack Plane = Douglas DB-19
• DXHe...Type He Attack Plane = Heinkel He 118 V4

• HXC.....Type C Flying Boat= Consolidated 22 Ranger (P2Y-1)
• HXD.....Type D Flying Boat = Douglas DF-151
• HXP.....Type P Flying Boat = Potez Type 452

• KXA.....Type A Intermediate Trainer = North American NA-16-4R (NA-37) and NA-16-4RW (NA-47)
• KXBu...Type Bu Primary Trainer = Bücker Bü 131 Jungmann
• KXC.....Type C Trainer = Caudron C.601 Aiglon Senior
• KXHe...Type He Trainer = Heinkel He 72l
• KXJ.....Type J Trainer = Junkers A.50
• KXL.....Type L Trainer = Lockheed Model 10 Electra

• LXC.....Type C Amphibious Transport = Curtiss-Wright CA-1 Commuter (a.k.a. "Courtney Amphibian")
• LXD.....Type D Transport = Douglas DC-4E
• LXF.....Type F Amphibious Transport = Fairchild A-942 Amphibion
• LXG.....Type G Amphibious Transport = Grumman G-21 Goose
• LXHe...Type He Transport= Heinkel He 70
• LXJ.....Type J Transport = Junkers Ju 160
• LXJ.....Type J Transport = Junkers Ju 86
• LXK.....Type K Transport = Kinner C-7 Envoy
• LXM.....Type M Transport = Airspeed AS-6 Envoy

 

[Stargazer]

As of today I've introduced a new feature to this thread — one that demands a lot of effort but which I believe will really make the visit worthwhile: comparative color profiles for each competition. Please go and check the first page for the first three years!

 

[Jemiba]

Really great and absolutely worthwhile indeed ! Many thanks Stéphan !
Some of those comparisons seem to indicate, that conservatism prevailed
amongst the leadership of the Japanese Navy, too.

 

[Apophenia]

Really great and absolutely worthwhile indeed ! ...

Seconded! Cheers Stéphane!

 

[Maveric]

Great work Stéphane! THANKS!

 

[Arjen]

.

 

[Stargazer]

I have removed the incorrect reference to the G9K for the 17-Shi Attack fighter.

Meanwhile, there are still quite a few types without any known competition.

See if you could add by checking this post:
http://www.secretprojects.co.uk/forum/index.php/topic,13972.msg137533.html#msg137533

 

[DWG]

11試 陸上作業練習機 11-Shi Crew Trainer (1936)

• Mitsubishi Ka-18 [K7M] > resubmitted in 14-Shi Land-Based Trainer competition

I notice this doesn't seem to have a corresponding entry under the 14-Shi section, or indeed any later section.

 

[DWG]

17試 局地戦闘機 17-Shi Interceptor Fighter (1942)

• Kawanishi K-90 (KX-2) [J3K] (replaced by J6K version)
  
• Mitsubishi M-70 [J4M Senden, also found as Jinrai] ("Luke") (project only)

18試 局地戦闘機 18-Shi Interceptor Fighter (1943)

• Nakajima [J5N Tenrai]
• Kawanishi [J6K Jinpu]
• Kyushu [J7W Shinden][/l][/l]

• 
  I notice the standard designation system seems to completely break down with the last two interceptor competitions, a possible indication that we're missing later revised specifications/competitions within 17-Shi and 18-Shi?

 

[Stargazer]

I notice this doesn't seem to have a corresponding entry under the 14-Shi section, or indeed any later section.

True. This is probably some unknown competing design in the 14-Shi Land-based Intermediate Trainer that was won by the Kyushu K10W.

I notice the standard designation system seems to completely break down with the last two interceptor competitions, a possible indication that we're missing later revised specifications/competitions within 17-Shi and 18-Shi?

You are absolutely right. I noticed that too. I believe these were all submitted to slightly different requirements, some of which have been lost.

After researching the subject some more lately, I found a couple of subtle differences for at least J4M and J6K:

• J3K = Kawanishi K-90 (KX-2) = a high-altitude fighter tested only as the 17-Shi Interceptor.
• J4M Senden = Mitsubishi M-70 = a tailboom pusher submitted as the 17-Shi Otsu-Type [Type B] Interceptor but not built.

• J5N Tenrai = Nakajima B-29 interceptor, tested as an 18-Shi Interceptor, with six prototypes built.
• J6K Jinpu = Kawanishi reworking of the J3K submitted as the 18-Shi Experimental Interceptor — only a mockup built because of the success of the N1K2-J.
• J7W Shinden = Kyushu canard pusher tested as another 18-Shi Interceptor — two prototypes built.

• J8M Shūsui = Mitsubishi rocket fighter, a copy of the Messerschmitt Me 163 tested as the 19-Shi Experimental Interceptor — 8 built.

As all these aircraft clearly showed different design philosophies, missions and configurations, it is highly likely that the requirements were all different.
What we need here is someone absolutely fluent in Japanese to give us more clues as to what exactly the Type A, B and C prefixes meant (I thought it meant, A = carrier fighter, B = Interceptor and C = Night Fighter, but I may be wrong).

 

[Robert]

Otsu does not equal "B," even though it is often translated into English as such. It's actually from an ordering scheme based on the Japanese zodiac. http://www.hud607.fire.prohosting.com/uncommon/reference/japan/calendar.html#zodiac
Source: http://japanlifeandreligion.com/2009/01/12/the-japanese-zodiac

 

[Stargazer]

Otsu does not equal "B," even though it is often translated into English as such.

Yes, but even Japanese sources (Japanese books with English captions) offer that translation.

 

[Tzoli]

So according to every sources the last navy ship launched recon and spotter aircrafts of the IJN were the F1M Reikan / Pete, E15K Shiun / Norm and the E16A Zuiun / Paul
Am I correct? No sources describes any new such aircraft designs and proposals?

 

[Tzoli]

What was the last IJN D type Dive bomber planes and projects?
D3Y Myojo
D4Y Suisei / Judy
D5Y Myojo-Kai Dive bomber/kamikaze (Was there a true dive bomber version of the D5Y?)

Were there other D4 and D5 projects?
D4-5M/N/A/K/W?

 

[zzy2001]

c

12試 艦上戦闘機 12-Shi Carrier Fighter (1937)

• Mitsubishi [A6M] > Type 0 Carrier Fighter ("Zeke")

12試 複座水上偵察機 12-Shi Two-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (1937)

• Aichi AM-18 [E12A]
  
• Kawanishi [E12K]
  
• Nakajima [E12N]

12試 三座水上偵察機 12-Shi Three-seat Reconnaissance Seaplane (1937)

• Aichi AM-19 [E13A Raiun?] > Type 0 Three-Seat Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Jake")
  
• Kawanishi [E13K]

12試 小型水上偵察機 12-Shi Small Reconnaissance Seaplane (1937)

• Watanabe [E14W]
  
• Yokosuka [E14Y] > Type 0 Small Reconnaissance Seaplane ("Glen")

12試 陸上攻撃機 12-Shi Land-Based Attack Aircraft (1937)

• Mitsubishi [G4M] > Type 1 Land-Based Attack Aircraft ("Betty")

12試 特殊飛行艇 12-Shi Special Flying Boat (1937)

• Yokosuka [H7Y] ("Tillie")

12試 水上初歩練習機 12-Shi Primary Trainer Seaplane (1937)

• Kawanishi [K8K] > Type 0 Primary Trainer Seaplane
  
• Nihon [K8P]
  
• Watanabe [K8W]

Can I please ask where does the name "Raiun" for E13A came from?

 

[airman]

I'm not sure for "DXD = Douglas DB-19"

 

[snark]

I'm not sure for "DXD = Douglas DB-19"

DXD Type D Bomber = Last-produced Northrop BT-1 (c/n 346; USN BuNo. 0643 – damaged and then sold to Japan as “Douglas DB-19” (NX18995) following post-accident rebuild by Douglas) Harry

 

[airman]

DXD Type D Bomber = Last-produced Northrop BT-1 (c/n 346; USN BuNo. 0643 – damaged and then sold to Japan as “Douglas DB-19” (NX18995) following post-accident rebuild by Douglas) Harry

DXD1 or Douglas Navy Experimental Type D Attack Aircraft