Tamiya 61036 - 1/48 Kawanishi N1K1 Kyofu Type 11  [61036]

In 1940 the Navy instructed Kawanishi Aircraft, that has previous experience in the development of superb floatplanes, to produce an aircraft to be referred to as 15-shi floatplane fighter, Kawanishi designed and produced a big, single-seat midwing, floatplane of steel construction. It had a large centerline float, and a small strut mounted outrigger float near each wing tip. It absolutely was running on an exemplary Mitsubishi Kasei radial engine and first flew in December 1943. It absolutely was designated the N1K1 Type 11 "Kyofu" and code known as "Rex" by the allied forces throughout the war.

Even though Kyofu was considered one of the more effective floatplane fighters to have ever been placed in functional service, it arrived far too late to own any effect on the results of this pacific conflict.