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

The tale concerning the Gekko's development began when the Japanese Navy asked for developent of a long-range fighter fast and maneuverable enough to oppose single-engine fighters. Nakajima proposed the type 13-Shi Twin-Engine Land-Based Fighter (J1N1), which employed two 1000hp "Sakae" devices (the same as Zero-Fighter engine) on its sturdy wings. Production ended up being indeed approved following the model was finished in March 1941, in July 1942 its designation changed to Type 2 Land-Based Reconnaissance Aircraft. In-may 1943, whenever base of Rabaul inside Solomons arrived inside the attack of noturnal raids from US B-17 bombers, a prototype made with two weapons inclined toward front side at a 30deg. angle were immediately implemented. During its first goal, the model downed two B-17. After reporting engagement outcomes, all of the Type 2's had been designed with four 20mm oblique firearms and re-designated considering that the Gekko (moonlight in Japanese) Type 11, and production regarding the fresh airplane started. Unlike the belated production model, these first night tools is at fact utilized by anti-ship missions and ground assault missions but although the part regarding Gekko have been anti-bomber missions, these reduced firearms have been in the future eliminated and changed with another top oblique gun. These production additionally showcased an extra nose-mounted radar. Whereas early manufacturing Gekko ended up being truly fond of numerous places inside the Pacific, belated production models is at fact constantly protect Japanese main land, mostly against B-29 hefty bombers.