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

The story of 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" machines (identical to Zero-Fighter motor) on its sturdy wings. Manufacturing was indeed approved after 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 underneath the assault of noturnal raids from American B-17 bombers, a prototype designed with two weapons inclined toward front side at a 30deg. angle had been instantly deployed. During its very first objective, the prototype downed two B-17. After reporting engagement outcomes, all the Type 2's was built with four 20mm oblique guns and re-designated because the Gekko (moonlight in Japanese) Type 11, and manufacturing regarding the fresh airplane began. Unlike the belated production model, these first evening tools was in fact utilized by anti-ship missions and ground assault missions but even though the role related to Gekko was anti-bomber missions, these paid down firearms were down the road eradicated and changed with another top oblique gun. The subsequent manufacturing also showcased an additional nose-mounted radar. Whereas early production Gekko was indeed given to many places within the Pacific, late production models was in fact constantly protect Japanese main land, mostly against B-29 hefty bombers.