The Kawanishi N1K Kyofu (Strong Wind) was an Imperial Japanese Navy seaplane fighter aircraft.  The Kawanishi N1K-J "Shiden-kai" (Violet Lightning) was the Imperial Japanese Navy's land-based version of the N1K. Assigned the Allied codename George, the N1K-J was considered by both its pilots and opponents to be one of the finest land-based fighters flown by the Japanese during World War II.   It possessed heavy armament and, unusually for a Japanese fighter, could absorb considerable battle damage. The N1K-J evenly matched the F6F Hellcat and was a match for such aircraft as the F4U Corsair and P-51 Mustang.  Indeed the final NIK2-J was one of the best all-round fighters in the Pacific theatre.  For example, in February 1945, Japanese Warrant Officer Muto, single-handedly engaged a flight of twelve Hellcats, shooting down four of them before the remainder disengaged. 

A unique design feature comprising electric / hydraulic wing flaps actuated automatically during combat by a mercury switch, increased lift, improving dog fighting manoeuvrability.  Armed with four 20mm cannons and with provision for two 550lb bombs under the wings, the NIK2-J could achieve speeds of 370mph, had a range of 1,000 miles, and a ceiling of 35,000ft.  Due to the shortages of materials near the war’s end, combined with development difficulties of Nakajima’s NK9H Homare engine, only 1,500 of all variants were ultimately produced.  Although it lacked sufficient performance at altitude to make it an effective interceptor against B-29s, when fully operational it was a superb fighter respected by Allied pilots.  However, it appeared too late and in too few numbers to challenge the Allied aerial advance.