Kyushu J7W1 Shinden/J7W2 Shinden-kai

[hesham]

Hi,

The Kyushu J7W2 single seat jet interceptor project.

 

[elmayerle]

Is that the J7W2 or a J7W3? I've always seen the J7W2 as sharing the same fuselage structure immediately behind the canopy as the J7W1. I could see this one as a cleaned-up version.

 

[Tophe]

I thought the jet J7W was an invention of Ted Nomura in the cartoon Luftwaffe-1946, in the late 1990s... are you sure your one is not a what-if? (as far as I am concerned, I don't care much, but I know many members here do care very much, rejecting anachronic dreams to focus on actual projects of the old years)...

 

[joncarrfarrelly]

I thought the jet J7W was an invention of Ted Nomura in the cartoon Luftwaffe-1946, in the late 1990s... are you sure your one is not a what-if? (as far as I am concerned, I don't care much, but I know many members here do care very much, rejecting anachronic dreams to focus on actual projects of the old years)...

Hi Tophe,
the J7W2 is mentioned in Francillon's 'Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War', first published in 1970.
Francillon's book made extensive use of Japanese magazines from the 50s' and 60s, so it may be difficult to pinpoint when the J7W2 info was
first published.
The FAOW on the J7W published in 1978 also has info on the J7W2.

As Evan points out the more familiar renderings of the J7W2 show an aircraft much like the J7W1... no bubble canopy.
The bubble-canopy version strikes me as a rather 'Miranda-ish' creation.

Cheers, Jon

 

[smurf]

I admire works of the imagination. I just like to know which ones stemmed from the time and place when they might have influenced events or design developments.

 

[frank]

IIRC, Hasegawa released a model of the jet version, if that lends any amount of credibility.

I thought the jet J7W was an invention of Ted Nomura in the cartoon Luftwaffe-1946, in the late 1990s... are you sure your one is not a what-if? (as far as I am concerned, I don't care much, but I know many members here do care very much, rejecting anachronic dreams to focus on actual projects of the old years)...

Hi Tophe,
the J7W2 is mentioned in Francillon's 'Japanese Aircraft of the Pacific War', first published in 1970.
Francillon's book made extensive use of Japanese magazines from the 50s' and 60s, so it may be difficult to pinpoint when the J7W2 info was
first published.
The FAOW on the J7W published in 1978 also has info on the J7W2.

As Evan points out the more familiar renderings of the J7W2 show an aircraft much like the J7W1... no bubble canopy.
The bubble-canopy version strikes me as a rather 'Miranda-ish' creation.

Cheers, Jon

 

[hesham]

My dear Tophe,

The J7W2 was a really project to japanese navy in my source.

The Nakajima J9N was also a really project developed from J8N
Kikka jet fighter.

 

[Tophe]

I thought the J7W2 actual project was a slightly different J7W1, propeller-driven, while the jet J7W (coded J7W2 or else) was a fake, or at least a simple idea never illustrated in archive sources.

 

[elmayerle]

I thought the J7W2 actual project was a slightly different J7W1, propeller-driven, while the jet J7W (coded J7W2 or else) was a fake, or at least a simple idea never illustrated in archive sources.

It was at least mentioned in Rene Francillion's book on Japanese aircraft and it's a straight-forward enough adaptation of the basic airframe. I can see a developed version with the cut down fuselage and clear canopy of late-model "Tony" variants.

 

[Pelzig]

According to my sources, the creator of the J7W Shinden, Captain Masaoki Tsuruno, envisioned his aircraft as using a turbojet from the outset. Of course, at the time, Japan had no such engine and thus, the Mitsubishi MK9D was used instead. However, his design work was done with a turbojet in mind so that when such a powerplant became available, the transition would not require significant changes. It is my opinion that the J7W2 would have simply been the J7W1 airframe with a turbojet installed. Perhaps an improved model might have the changes depicted in one of the illustrations here but that would have been down the road.

I thought the J7W2 actual project was a slightly different J7W1, propeller-driven, while the jet J7W (coded J7W2 or else) was a fake, or at least a simple idea never illustrated in archive sources.

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Shinden（震電）site. Enjoy.

http://www.geocities.jp/jp_j7w1_shinden/start-e.html

 

[Triton]

Photo of Kyushu J7W1 Shinden from San Diego Air & Space Museum Archive.

Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/sdasmarchives/page288/

 

[blackkite]

HI! Enjoy.
https://www.google.co.jp/search?q=%E4%B9%9D%E5%B7%9E%E9%A3%9B%E8%A1%8C%E6%A9%9F&hl=ja&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=4PVxULDWLafNmQWH6oCoBg&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=675

 

[blackkite]

Hi!

http://www.watanabe1886.com/en/index.html
Sorry 'Kushu hikoki' is mistake. 'Kyushu hikoki' is correct.

 

[Triton]

Source:
http://w.livedoor.jp/harmony-gold_japan/lite/d/%BD%C5%C5%C4%20%B1%D1%B9%D4%20%A4%C8%20SWS
http://forum.worldofwarplanes.eu/index.php?/topic/486-kyushu-j7w1-shinden/

 

[Stargazer]

A few more pics:

 

[Stargazer]

Some artwork (attachments #1-4) and two plans (attachments 5-6 in PDF):

 

[Triton]

Source:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/16118167@N04/6301898041/

 

[Triton]

http://youtu.be/sphNVSkhmAQ

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Shinden.
http://www.google.com/search?q=%E9%9C%87%E9%9B%BB&hl=ja&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=VW5yUJfaOMH1mAXFgoHgBw&sqi=2&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=641

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Shinden site.
http://www.geocities.jp/jp_j7w1_shinden/start-e.html

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Shinden flying model. Shinden's shape is no problem to fly.
This model's landing gear have some troubles.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=endscreen&NR=1&v=zZEaxlXtKGQ

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Movie.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&v=GoEh2qbe9Do

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Shinden 1/32 scale model.
http://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/products/sws01_shinden_cl.html
And pictures.
http://flickrhivemind.net/Tags/j7w1,shinden/Interesting

 

[Stargazer]

Not quite the same aircraft, but the IJN planned on a jet development of the Shinden called the J7W2 Shinden-Kai, which never had a chance to materialize:

 

[blackkite]

Wow! Shinden-kai（震電改）.
Almost same name of Kawanishi shiden-kai（紫電改）. ;D
The IJN used letter 電(den, electricity) for the interceptor for example 雷電(Raiden), 紫電(Shiden).
http://www.google.com/search?q=%E9%9C%87%E9%9B%BB%E6%94%B9&hl=ja&prmd=imvns&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=JsdyUMasG8bNrQeI-oDYCQ&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=641

 

[blackkite]

Hi! Another Shinden animation.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMomEL8h5_Q

 

[blackkite]

And another RC Shinden movie.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JEOOhyKDGAE

 

[blackkite]

Please enjoy these movies using full screen mode.(push right bottom of the screen)

 

[blackkite]

Shinden’s engine was Mitsubishi Ha43 type42(MK9D) forced air cooling 18cylinders radial engine with 2 stage 2 speed supercharger(two speed mechanical first stage+continuously variable speed second stage using hydraulic transmission(Vulkan coupling) or continuously variable speed first stage using hydraulic transmission(Vulkan coupling)+two speed mechanical second stage)(sorry I'm not sure. But I think perhaps later.), extended propeller shaft and methanol injection.(instead of intercooler)
By this engine, Shinden got large climb rate and high altitude performance. (Mitsubishi Senden and kawanishi 17-shi fighter were planned to use almost same engine.HA43(-41) with Vulkan coupling, but it's reliability was poor.)　
Bore : 140mm, Stroke : 150mm, Displacement : 41.55L, Diameter : 1230mm, Take off power : 2030hp(2900rpm), 1860hp(2000m/2800rpm), 1600hp(8400m/2800rpm)
Estimated Shinden's performance
Maximum speed : over 741km/h(8700m), Climb time to 10000m : less than 10.5 minutes, Service ceiling : over 12000m

 

[blackkite]

1. 7.9mm machine gun for the training or, 13. Vulkan Coupling(Continuously variable transmission) 26. Main wing body combination metal fittings photograph gun 14. Mitsubishi Ha-43 type42 Engine 27. Super charger air intake 2. Rescue raft 15. Air inlet for lubricating oil cooling 28. Cowl flap 3. 30 mm type 17 cannon 16. Ejector exhaust pipe 29. Body fuel tank 4. Anti bullet steel board （16mm） 17. Extension shaft support cylinder 30. Front wing flap lever 5. Anti bullet glass 70mm 18. Mass balance 31. Froｎt wheel 6. Type 17 gunsight 19. Sumitomo VDM six blade metal pusher prop 32. Battery 7. Oxygen gas cylinder 20. Tail light 33. Cartridge storage box 8. Overturning protection support 21. Wing light (RED) 34. Rudder operation lever 9. Fireproof wall 22. Mass balance 36. Front wing 10. Oil tank 23. Tail wheel for the propeller damage prevention 11. Pressure device 24. Main wheel 12. Fuel injection 25. Accumulated pressure machine

Many thanks Arjen!

 

[blackkite]

Hi!
http://www.zoukeimura.co.jp/products/images/swsCNsample01.pdf


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PvtMD8Ut4gI

 

[blackkite]

German DB601N engine had a single stage continuously variable speed supercharger. Basically it's supercharger was 2 speed but between first speed and second speed were continuously variable speed using Vulkan coupling.
トルクコンバーター = Vulkan coupling
While V-1650(Rolls-Royce Merlin) engine had 2 stage 2 speed mechanical supercharger with inter cooler.

 

[blackkite]

Shinden shape merits
1. When climb, fore wing generate lift while normal shape's tail wing generate inverse lift.
It's possible to design low drag light weight smaller main wing.
2. Low drag because main wing and fuselage are not exposed high speed propeller after stream.
3. Almost fuselage is full of equipments compared with normal shape, it's possible to design
smaller fuselage.(Fuselage shape especielly nose is clean,low drag.)
4. Good forward view.
5.It's possible to concentrate all armaments in effective nose part.
6.Stall characteristic is good.(Stall begin from fore wing and when stall begin, nose down naturally.)
7. Propeller efficiency is good.
8. It's easy to install jet engine. (I think that Shinden is an distant ancestor of Typhoon, Gripen and Rafale.)
(It has potential to realize high speed, high altitude, agile and heavy armament interceptor.)
9. Good under view.
10. Engine guard pilot when receive attach from behind.
Shinden shape demerits
1.Take off and landing speed is high and need long runway because main wing is not exposed
high speed propeller after stream.
2. It's difficult to use high efficiency large diameter propeller.
3. In case of air cooling engine, it's hard to cool engine.
4. In case of escape, pilot is dangerous.
5. It's impossible to discharge spent cases of 30mm cannon from the aircraft which destroy
propeller.
6. Pitch and yaw stability is weak.
7. Elevator is sensitive.
8. Rudder response is poor.
9. Nose gear is long and weak.
10. Extended propeller shaft vibration.
11. Need counter measures for propeller torque.
12. It has weight increase possibility.(Long nose gear, extended propeller shaft,etc)
13.Very cold in winter or high altitude flight, because engine locate behind the pilot.
14. Engine hit the pilot when crush landing.
Shinden's armaments were 4×30mm 17-shi(5-shiki) cannon which had 60 warhead each.
Length : 2218mm, Weight : 80kg, Warhead initial speed : 750m/s, shooting speed : 350/minutes,
Case weight : 650g, Warhead weight : 350g, Explosive weight : 37g.
No2 and No3 Shinden were under construction at the end of the war.
Shinden No3 to No5's engine were power increased Mitsubishi HA43-43 engine which have different first stage supercharger(Single supercharger which avoid HA43-42's left side supercharger.)
From No8 Shinden, HA43-44 engine(single stage 3 speed mechanical supercharger) was planned to use, because Vukan coupling was hard to manufacture and use in Japan at the day. (Vulkan coupling was also used for Hien's HA40(DFB601) engine).
Shinden mass production model were planned to use wide and simple 4 blades propeller.

 

[windswords]

I did not know the production version was to have a 4 blade propeller. I really like the 6 bladed prop, very cool! the Ki-93 also had 6 blade props as did the prototype Ki-94-II. You have to wonder at what point is more propeller blades overkill though. The 5 blade prop was used in versions of the Spitfire so maybe 5 is the practical and useful limit. Maybe someone with an engineering background could shed some light on this...

Blackkite, do you know if the production Shinden with the 4 blade prop was to be the same diameter as the prototype's 6 blade?

 

[blackkite]

Blackkite, do you know if the production Shinden with the 4 blade prop was to be the same diameter as the prototype's 6 blade?

Yes it is. 4 blades propeller's diameter was 3.4m same as 6 blades propeller.
Area of each blades of 4 blades propeller is 50% larger than 6 blades propeller.

Variable pitch mechanism of 6 blades propeller is too complex for mass production Shinden.

 

[Basil]

Another disadvantage of the Shinden was the huge torque of the single propeller which couldn't be corrected via rudder like in normal front propeller aircrafts. The solution - although mechanically more complex - would have been a contra-rotating prop which also would have allowed a smaller prop diameter for the same engine power.

 

[blackkite]

Hi Basil! You are right.
When Shinden's first flight, she inclined 10 degree when climb.
But contrary rotating propeller was too complicated, too.
The IJN and Kyushu aircraft gave up to use this mechanism and try to apply another solution.

The tests showed that the biggest problem was the pull to the right on the fuselage caused by the
large torque. Various counter-measure were applied; for example, the attachment angle of the
front wings was raised 3 degrees, and as the tendency was strongest at low gear and when the
flaps were down, the lowered flap angle was raised 35 degrees. And so for the time being, steps
had been taken to fix the problem.

 

[Basil]

Thanks for the additional information, blackkite. Concerning contra-rotation - as far as I know there were several Japanese project employing contra-rotating propellers.

 

[blackkite]

Yes for example Kyofu prototype, Fugaku, etc. But they had ｔractor configuration.
Later Kyofu became simple propeller and Nakajima studied single propeller Fugaku.
I think Shinden with contra-rotating propeller is very exciting, too.
We hope Shinden restoration in the U.S.Washington D.C. B)


http://airandspace.si.edu/collections/artifact.cfm?id=A19600333000