Tamiya 61084 - 1/48 Nakajima Gekko Type 11 Early Version  [61084]

The story associated with Gekko's development started when the Japanese Navy requested developent of a long-range fighter fast and maneuverable sufficient to oppose single-engine fighters. Nakajima proposed the kind 13-Shi Twin-Engine Land-Based Fighter (J1N1), which employed two 1000hp "Sakae" machines (same as Zero-Fighter motor) on its sturdy wings. Production was authorized after the prototype was finished in March 1941, however in July 1942 its designation changed to Type 2 Land-Based Reconnaissance Aircraft. In-may 1943, once the base of Rabaul into the Solomons came in assault of noturnal raids from American B-17 bombers, a prototype equipped with two weapons inclined toward front at a 30deg. angle had been immediately implemented. During its first mission, the prototype downed two B-17. After reporting engagement outcomes, many of the Type 2's had been loaded with four 20mm oblique weapons and re-designated since the Gekko (moonlight in Japanese) Type 11, and production associated with new airplane started. Unlike the late production model, these first night guns had been useful for anti-ship missions and ground assault missions but whilst the part of this Gekko had been anti-bomber missions, these reduced weapons had been later eliminated and changed with an additional upper oblique gun. The later manufacturing also featured an extra nose-mounted radar. Whereas early production Gekko had been provided for many places within the Pacific, late production models were accustomed defend Japanese main land, mostly against B-29 heavy bombers.