#n1k1

The Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu (Allied code name Rex) was a single seat floatplane fighter. It was designed to support offensive operations where no forward airstrips were available. However, by the time it became operational, Japan was on the defensive and the role for the fighter had disappeared. As a consequence, only 97 were built.

Kawanishi produced a private venture of the Kyofu as a land plane fighter. Without the penalty of the large float, performance was significantly improved. It was produced as the Kawanishi N1K1-J Shiden and further refined as the Kawanishi N1K2-J Shiden-Kai.

That reblog about the N1K1 Kyufu was incorrect. The plane Sakamoto was flying was the F1M Pete, which is similar to the SOC Seagull made in the US (it's nearly identical that I thought it was Mio's plane regardless of the gunner's canopy in the back). MY BAD!